Second-look Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Research Articles

Abstract No. 177 Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL): risk factors for incomplete stone clearance requiring second-look PCNL

Abstract No. 177 Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL): risk factors for incomplete stone clearance requiring second-look PCNL

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Under X-Ray-Free Technique in Upper Urinary Stone Patients with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease: Experience from a Large-Volume Stone Management Center.

Objectives: To present our large single-center experience in the management of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) with total ultrasound (US)-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) and to evaluate the role of PNL under US in these patients. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients with ADPKD who underwent PNL from August 2011 to December 2019. A total of 56 patients were included in this study; all procedures were completed by the total US-guided technique. Demographic characteristics, operative parameters, and postoperative data were collected and analyzed. Results: Effective renal access was achieved in all patients. The mean stone size was 3.1 cm (range 1.7-6.5 cm). The initial stone-free rate was 70.6% (36/51); five patients underwent second-look PNL to remove residual stones. The other patients underwent oral medication therapy. No severe intraoperative complications occurred; one patient received selective embolization for bleeding on the contralateral side and one patient needed percutaneous drainage for perinephric abscess. Clavien I or II complications were seen in nine patients. Renal function was improved or stable in most patients; the condition of only one patient deteriorated after surgery. Conclusion: Total US-guided PNL is a safe and efficient treatment for kidney stones in patients with ADPKD; perioperative renal function was not adversely affected and complications were acceptable compared with patients in the general population.

Ambulatory second look percutaneous nephrolithotripsy with maturated nephrostomy tract

ABSTRACTIntroduction and Objectives Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the standard technique for managing large renal calculi. Second-look PCNL is typically performed under intravenous (IV) sedation or spinal / general anesthesia when removing remnant stones. This requires additional pre-anesthesia assessment and close monitoring. To simplify this procedure, we investigated the feasibility and safety of second-look PCNL without anesthesia and sheath after maturation of the nephrostomy tract.Material and Methods This study included 14 eligible patients with remnant stones >5mm in diameter, as determined by simple CT scan after supine PCNL through a single nephrostomy tract under general anesthesia. A 24Fr nephrostomy tube was inserted after surgery. Second-look PCNL was performed after seven days of maturation of the nephrostomy tract. Prior to second-look surgery, 25mg pethidine was injected intravenously. Second-look supine PCNL was performed using a rigid or flexible renoscope without anesthesia or sheath.Results The mean patient age was 57.4±8.5 years. The mean stone diameter was 5.4 × 3.3cm, while the mean number of stone branches was 4.1±1.4. The mean operation time during the first PCNL was 131.1±24.8 min, and the mean residual stone rate was 24.3%±10.2%. The mean operation time during second-look PCNL was 97.4±36.0 min; after the second procedure, the mean pain score on the numeric rating scale was 2.8±1.0. All patients were stone-free without complications.Conclusion Second-look PCNL without anesthesia and sheath after maturation of the nephrostomy tract may be an effective procedure for removing remnant stones in select patients without excessive levels of pain.

Study of the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the management of large and complex renal stone

Background: Nephrolithiasis is highly prevalent across all demographic groups in the india and beyond, and its incidence rates are rising. In addition to the morbidity of the acute event, stone disease often becomes a lifelong problem that requires preventative therapy to diminish ongoing morbidity. Objective of this study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in the management of large and complex renal stone.Methods: This retrospective study includes 75 renal calculi patients with 100 renal units with large and complicated stone >20 mm. Stones were classified into simple (isolated renal pelvis or isolated calyceal stones) or complex (partial or complete stag horn stones, renal pelvis stones with accompanying calyceal stones). Then various parameter like decrease haemoglobin, surgical complication, creatinine level, duration of surgery etc were compared between simple and complex stones patients by calculation p value using online student t test calculator. P value less than 0.01 considered as a difference of significance.Results: The mean stone size was 35.5±20.37 mm and mean operative duration was 60±35.3 min. In all, cases 60 (80%) were stone-free after the first procedure and another 10 needed an auxiliary procedure (5 second-look PCNL, 3 extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy-ESWL, 2 ureterorenoscopy, and) to become stone-free, resulting in a 93.33% stone-free rate. Complications occurred in 9 procedures (12%).Conclusions: From this study, it would be concluded that Minimally invasive PCNL provided significantly higher stone-free rate and efficiency quotient for management of urinary calculi. Overall complications are usually observed in patients having intraoperative hypotension and increased intra operative time.

Outcomes of second-look percutaneous nephrolithotomy in renal calculi-a single centre experience.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) carries significant potential for morbidity. Scant data exists on indications and outcomes of second-look PCNL after a failure to completely clear renal stones at the first attempt. We present our experience with second-look PCNL. This was a retrospective record review of 922 patients who underwent unilateral PCNL at a tertiary care center in South India. Baseline patient, stone characteristics and outcomes were compared between 844 patients undergoing primary PCNL and 78 patients requiring second-look PCNL. Increased stone complexity in terms of Guy stone score (GSS), stone size, staghorn calculi and stones in multiple locations were significantly associated with primary treatment failure (p<0.001). Operative time >75 min had a significant association with need for second-look PCNL and complications. Initial PCNL was discontinued due to bleeding (28; 35.9%), pelvicalyceal system perforation (3; 3.9%) and purulent urine leading to urosepsis and hemodynamic instability (2; 2.6%). Staged PCNL was done in 44 (56.3%) patients. During second-look PCNL, new access tracts were necessary in majority (42; 53.9%) of the patients and multiple tracts in 20 (25.6%) patients. In second-look PCNL, complications were comparable to primary PCNL (p=0.289). Second-look PCNL should be advocated in patients where the initial PCNL was discontinued due to bleeding, perforation of collecting system, prolonged operative time (>75 min) and in patients with large stone burden.

Safety and Efficacy of Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in Patients with Severe Skeletal Deformities.

Treatment of renal calculi in patients with severe skeletal deformities can be challenging. We present our experience in order to provide an assessment of technical difficulties, associated complications, and outcomes of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) as a treatment option in this special patient group. Our study included eight patients treated with PCNL for renal stones. All had severe skeletal deformities including six with severe kyphoscoliosis, one with osteogenesis imperfecta, and another withrickets. After pre-operative evaluation the procedure was performed under fluoroscopic and/or ultrasonic guidance. In all but one case, PCNL was performed with the patient in the prone position. Silicone rolls and soft padded bolsters were used to obtain the best positioning for the procedure. Clearance rates and complications were assessed. Complete stone-free rate was achieved in six patients (75%) after first-PCNL. The two patients with residual stones underwent a second-look PCNL, after which one was completely cleared. The overall completestone-free rate after second PCNL was 87%. Only minor complications were seen in two patients (25%). We found PCNL to be safe and effective for managing kidney stones in patients with severe skeletal deformities.

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in Patients With BMI >50: Single Surgeon Outcomes and Feasibility

To evaluate the use of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) and technical approach in the super obese population (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 50). We performed a retrospective review of 31 consecutive PNL cases with a BMI > 50 from a single surgeon (SYN) from 1995 to 2013. Procedures were performed in the prone position, and upper pole access was used. Operative time, length of hospital stay, stone burden, complication rates, and stone-free rates were measured. Of the 31 patients who underwent PNL (age 51.2 ± 12; 71% female), the mean BMI was 59.1 ± 6 kg/m(2) (range 50.4-71.7 kg/m(2)). Mean stone burden was 3.8 cm ± 2. The majority of patients (90.3%) had an upper pole puncture site for access with an operative time of 122.1 ± 75 minutes. The technique was similar to non-obese patients; however, there was a need for extra-long instrumentation. The overall stone-free rate was 71%, with utilization of a second-look PNL in 11 cases. The complication rate, Clavien grade 3 or higher, was 9.7% (3 of 31). PNL is technically feasible, safe, and effective in patients with a BMI ≥ 50. The complication rate, length of hospital stay, and stone-free rate with use of second-look PNL in super obese patients are comparable to severely obese patients. Intervention should not be automatically ruled out or delayed based on the patient's BMI alone.

Does the presence of a percutaneous renal access influence fluoroscopy time during percutaneous nephrolithotomy?

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess whether the presence of a pre-formed percutaneous renal access (PCA) had any effects on fluoroscopy time (FT) during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). MethodsAfter ethics approval was obtained, medical records of all patients who underwent PCNL between 2009 and 2013 at a tertiary stone referral centre were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with and without pre-formed PCA undergoing PCNL were compared. Patients who underwent second-look PCNL and those who had their access inserted by interventional radiology constituted the group with pre-formed PCA. ResultsA total of 185 PCNLs were reviewed. The mean patient age was 55.2 ± 1.0 years with mean body mass index (BMI) of 27.8 ± 0.5 kg/m2 and male gender of 63.8%. The mean stone size was 618.4 ± 47.0 mm2 with mean Guy's grade of 2.3 ± 0.7 and mean S.T.O.N.E. score of 7.6 ± 0.1. The mean operative time was 98.7 ± 2.6 min with mean FT of 113.4 ± 4.5 s. The overall stone-free rate was 71.9% with complication rate of 16.2%. When compared with PCNLs without pre-formed PCA, PCNLs with pre-formed PCA were associated with significantly shorter FT (120.6 ± 5.1 vs. 77.5 ± 6.7 s; p < 0.001) and significantly lower estimated blood loss (EBL) (p = 0.01). On multivariate analysis, PCNLs with pre-formed PCA were associated with significantly shorter FT (B. coefficient = −43.2 (95%CI: −66.4 to −20); p < 0.001) and lower EBL (p = 0.02). ConclusionPCNLs with pre-formed PCA were associated with significantly lower FT and EBL when compared with PCNLs without pre-formed PCA.

Böbrek taşı olgularında tam tüpsüz standart perkütan nefrolitotominin etkinlik ve güvenirliği

Objective: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) is the first-line treatment for large and complex renal calculi. In this study, we aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of the totally tubeless PNL versus the standard PNL. Methods: Between January 2012 and July 2013, 73 selected patients were treated standard or totally tubeless PNL, nephrostomy tube and ureteral stent was not placed at the end of the operation in 35 (39.7%) (Group 1) of them and 38 (43.1%) (Group 2) patient underwent standard PNL. Stone disintegration was performed with a pneumatic lithotripter. We retrospectively compared patient and stone characteristics, operation time, duration of hospitalization, analgesia requirements, stone-free rate, operative findings, blood loss, and perioperative complications between two groups. Results: The mean operation time, excluding the preparation course, was 38,3p15,4 minutes vs 51,2p12,9 minutes and mean fluoroscopy time was 4,5p2,4 minutes vs 4,8p2,1 minutes, respectively. No significant intraoperative complication or indication additional access or second-look PNL due to residual stones was observed. In both groups none of the patients demonstrated a urinoma, hemorrhage or residual stones in postoperative ultrasonography and plain radiograph. Blood transfusion was needed only in a patient vs two patients for group 1 and 2, respectively. There were no significant differences in preoperative patient characteristics, postoperative complications between two groups, but the totally tubeless PNL group showed a shorter hospitalization and a lesser analgesic requirement compared with other group. Conclusion: Absence of the nephrostomy tube and ureteral stent may help in keeping the patient comfortable after the operation and reduction in the analgesia requirement and length of hospital stay. We believe totally tubeless PNL is safe and effective management option in properly selected cases.

Analgesic Use and Complications Following Upper Pole Access for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

Upper pole access (UPA) to the kidney optimizes working angles during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). However, many surgeons are hesitant to employ UPA due to concerns for increased postoperative pain and complications. In this study, we compare perioperative pain and outcomes for PCNL performed through UPA with middle and lower pole access (LPA). A retrospective review of PCNLs performed at a single academic institution between 2002 and 2012 was performed. Patient demographics, stone burden, operative characteristics, length of hospital stay, and perioperative complications were recorded. Narcotics administered on postoperative days (POD) 1 and 2 were converted to intravenous morphine equivalents. The Mann-Whitney U, Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression analyses were used for statistical comparison. Of 350 PCNLs performed on 269 patients, 125 patients underwent primary PCNL through single tract UPA, while primary LPA was utilized in 138 patients. Patients with multiple access tracts (n=6) were excluded. Baseline characteristics between groups were similar except for age; patients with UPA were older (52.6 vs. 46.2 years; p=0.003). Stone burden, operative time, and initial stone-free rate were comparable between groups. Additionally, analgesic requirements were similar on POD 1 (p=0.54) and 2 (p=0.62). There was no difference in the overall complications (p=0.23) or thoracic complications (p=0.43). Although both groups had equivalent stone-free rates after initial PCNL (p=0.78), those with residual stones had a superior stone-free rate after second-look PCNL through UPA (73.3% vs. 44.3%, p=0.035) and a superior overall stone-free rate (94.4% vs. 86.2%, p=0.037). Patients undergoing PCNL through UPA had a higher ultimate stone-free rate compared with LPA, while postoperative analgesic requirements and overall complication rates were similar between access sites. A trend toward higher thoracic complication rates was observed in the UPA group, although this did not reach statistical significance. Surgeons should not hesitate to utilize UPA when indicated for patients with large or complex stones.

Total Tubeless Versus Standard Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A Meta-Analysis

The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of total tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) versus standard PCNL. MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database were researched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and clinically controlled trials (CCTs) comparing total tubeless PCNL (tubeless and stentless) versus standard PCNL were included in this review. The related studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in the meta-analysis. Two reviewers independently assessed the quality of each included studies and extracted data. RevMan 5.1. was used for meta-analysis. Five RCTs and four CCTs were included, involving a total of 652 patients. All patients were divided into the total tubeless PCNL group and the standard PCNL group. The pooled results showed that the total tubeless PCNL group significantly reduced the hospital stay [weighted mean difference (WMD) -1.09 (95% confidence intervals, 95% CI -1.33, -0.85)] and analgesic requirement [standardized mean difference (SMD) -0.59 (95% CI -0.96, -0.23)]. There was no statistically significant difference in the operation time [WMD -4.14 (95% CI -8.27, -0.01)], mean hemoglobin decrease [-0.07 (95% CI -0.20, 0.06)], fever [relative risk (RR) 0.53 (95% CI 0.16, 1.69)], transfusion [RR 0.86 (95% CI 0.40, 1.85)], prolonged urinary drainage [RR 0.58 (95% CI 0.08, 4.09)], and ancillary procedure [extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy, RR 0.84 (95% CI 0.29, 2.41), second-look PCNL RR 1.18 (95% CI 0.49, 2.89)]. According to the study design, the subgroup analyses were performed; most results were consistent with the overall findings, except the one that evaluated the analgesic requirement in the CCT subgroup. Total tubeless PCNL is a safe and effective procedure. It significantly reduced the hospital stay, analgesic requirement, and the time to return to normal activity without increasing complications. However, further randomized trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A Comparative Study of the Management of Small and Large Renal Stones

To compare the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolitholapaxy (MIP) between small (<2 cm) and large (>2 cm) renal calculi, because although MIP has proved its efficacy in small lower caliceal stones, the efficacy in large renal calculi has been questioned. The data from 191 consecutive minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MIP) procedures at a single institution from January 2007 to March 2011 were reviewed retrospectively. All stone sizes and complexity were included (98 were <2 cm and 93 were ≥ 2 cm). We performed a comparative analysis of procedures for calculi <2 cm and ≥ 2 cm regarding the stone-free rate, the need for auxiliary procedures, and complications. The Student t test for parametric continuous variables and the chi-square test or Fischer's exact test for nominal variables were applied. The primary stone-free rate was significantly lower for the large than for the small stones (76.3% vs 90.8%, P = .007), and the secondary stone-free rate after one auxiliary procedure (second-look percutaneous nephrolithotomy, ureterorenoscopy, or shock wave lithotripsy) was not significantly different between the 2 groups (94.6% vs 98.9%, P = .1). The total complication rate was not significantly different (26.9% vs 19.4%, P = .2) between the 2 groups either. Grade III complications occurred in 5.2% of all patients, and no grade IV or V complications were observed. Using MIP, the total stone-free rate was greater for the small than for the large calculi; however, most patients could be rendered stone-free with the use of one auxiliary procedure. The high success rate and low rate of higher grade complications justify the application of MIP for large stones.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy in adult patients with spina bifida, severe spinal deformity and large renal stones

To present our experience in patients with spina bifida with severe spinal abnormality undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for large stone burden. A retrospective review identified five spina bifida patients with abnormal spinal curvature who had a PCNL for large kidney stones. The mean age was 28 years. In two patients, stones were on the concave side of the scoliotic spine further limiting percutaneous access. Mean stone burden was 940 mm2. All patients were paraplegic, three patients had symptomatic stone disease. We performed initial percutaneous renal access in radiology department and staged nephrolithotomy in operating room. Tract dilatation was accomplished using Amplatz dilators and a 24 Ch or 26 Ch nephroscope was used. Fragmentation and stone removal were accomplished in all patients using pneumatic and or ultrasound lithotripter and a retrieval grasper. No anaesthetic complications were recorded. One patient required multiple percutaneous tracts, four had single tract to access stones. Three patients were stone free after PCNL. One required second PCNL through the same tract and another patient had multiple adjunctive ESWL. All five patients were stone clear after the final procedure. Two patients required blood transfusion. No patient had major complication or admission to intensive care unit. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy in patients with spina bifida is challenging but safe. Detailed pre-operative anaesthetic assessment and precise uroradiological evaluation of renal anatomy is essential. Second-look PCNL and additional ESWL/URS treatment may be required to completely clear stones.

Is Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Suitable for Patients With Scoliosis: Single-center Experience

To present our experience with percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for treating urolithiasis in patients with scoliosis. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 5 patients with congenital scoliosis who had undergone PCNL. The demographic data, number and location of access sites, hemoglobin values, stone analyses, and complications were studied. Of the 5 patients, 3 had a history of failed shock wave lithotripsy, and 2 had undergone stone intervention in same kidney. All procedures were performed with the patient in the prone position after retrograde ureteral catheterization. Tract dilation was accomplished using Amplatz dilators of ≤24F or 28F. PCNL was accomplished using a rigid nephroscope with ultrasound and/or pneumatic lithotriptor with the patient under general anesthesia. Of the 5 patients, 2 were men and 3 were women, and the mean age was 36.8 years (range 32-44), and the mean stone burden was 475 mm2 (range 400-1350). The mean operative and fluoroscopic screening time was 62.2 minutes (range 50-90) and 3.1 minutes (range 2-5), respectively. Of the 5 patients, 3 were stone free after PCNL. Auxiliary procedures were required in 2 patients and included second-look PCNL in 1 and ureteroscopy in 1. Thus, all 5 patients were rendered completely stone free after the final procedure. No severe complications, either from anesthesia or the surgical procedure, were observed in the patients. Two of the patients had to stay for 24 hours to screen for pulmonary and cardiac signs in the intensive care unit after PCNL. Larger stones or shock wave lithotripsy-refractory stones can be managed safely and effectively with PCNL in patients with scoliosis when they have been appropriately assessed before PCNL.

Minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy with multiple mini tracts in a single session in treating staghorn calculi

There has been continuing controversy regarding multiple tracts in a percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) session that may bring more complications, especially severe bleeding need for transfusion, even nephrectomy. Little tracts may bring less trauma to renal parenchyma than standard PCNL tracts. We carried minimally invasive PCNL (MPCNL) in treating staghorn calculi with multiple 16Fr percutaneous tracts in a single session, in an attempt to get high stone free with little trauma, and compared the morbidity of standard PCNL procedures in a prospective trial. A total of 54 consecutive patients with staghorn calculi were prospectively randomized for MPCNL (29) and PCNL (25). The size and location of stone, operative parameters, number of tracts, stone-free rate, operating time, hospital stay and complications were analyzed. In MPCNL group, a total of 67 percutaneous tracts were established in 29 renal units, while 28 tracts in 25 renal units in PCNL group. Compared to PCNL, MPCNL was associated with higher clearance rate (89.7 vs. 68%, p = 0.049), less chance need for adjunctive procedure of SWL or second-look PCNL (24.1 vs. 60%, p = 0.007), while a similar complication rate (37.9 vs. 52%, p = 0.300). In conclusion, with the development of instruments and increased experience, judiciously made multiple percutaneous tracts in a single session of MPCNL for treating staghorn calculi were safe, feasible and efficient with an acceptable morbidity.

Safety and Efficacy of a Superior Caliceal Puncture in Pediatric Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

Access through the superior calix for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) often breaches the diaphragm and is believed to have greater complications than access through other calices. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of a superior caliceal access in pediatric patients who were undergoing PCNL. Operative and recovery data for pediatric patients (up to 16 years old) who were undergoing PCNL for renal calculi were prospectively entered into a database and reviewed. Patients with a superior calix puncture were compared with those in whom the superior calix was not punctured. Stone clearance was assessed by intraoperative fluoroscopy and postoperative radiography in all patients and ultrasonography and CT scan in selected cases. Over a 2-year period, 26 pediatric patients (mean age 11.12 years; range 4-16 years) underwent 27 PCNLs. Stone bulk ranged from 200 to 1150 mm² (mean 656.03 mm²). Nine patients had staghorn stones. Thirteen patients (14 renal units) had primary superior calix access with 13 of these being supracostal (above the 12th rib). Four of these had staghorn calculus. All stones were fragmented using a pneumatic lithoclast. Second-look PCNL was necessary in two patients. Complete clearance was achieved in all except one patient in each group with superior and nonsuperior caliceal puncture. Hydrothorax developed in one patient with supracostal puncture necessitating tube drainage while abdominal collection developed in one in patient who underwent the nonsuperior calix approach. Both patients recovered with no sequelae. The superior calix puncture is safe and effective in the pediatric population.

Percutaneous Management of Staghorn Calculi in Horseshoe Kidneys: A Multi-Institutional Experience

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) is a first-line management technique for staghorn stones and stones located in a horseshoe kidney (HK). We present our multi-institutional experience on the management of staghorn calculi within HKs. The study included 15 patients with 17 staghorn calculi in HKs who were treated by PNL in six academic institutions. All PNL procedures were performed in a standard one-session technique with fluoroscopic guidance. The following information was assessed: Number of access dilations, renal access location, blood loss, blood transfusion, stone-free rate, length of hospitalization. Intraoperative and postoperative complications as well as secondary procedures (second-look PNL, ureteroscopy, and shockwave lithotripsy) were reviewed. Mean patient age was 50 years (range 24-72 y) years old. Subcostal (n = 16) or intercostal (n = 1) puncture was performed. The average anesthesia time was 126 minutes (93-200 min). The average blood loss was 450 mL, and transfusions were deemed necessary in 20% of the cases. Single skin incisions were made for the management of 11 renal units, and multiple incisions were made in 6. The average number of tract dilations per renal unit was 2.11 (range 1-4). The overall stone-free rate was 82%. The average length of hospital stay was 4.4 days (range 3-7). The average duration of nephrostomy tube drainage was 80 hours with a range of 72 to 96 hours. Major and minor complication rate was 20% and 46.6%, respectively. The performance of PNL is a safe and effective method to manage staghorn calculi in HKs.

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A Single Center Experience of 610 Cases

Purpose: We performed this study to evaluate the outcomes and complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) at a single institute with a large series. Materials and Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 610 patients who underwent PCNL between March 1995 and June 2008 for staghorn calculi in 139 (22.8%), partial staghorn calculi in 104 (17.0%), renal pelvis stone in 222 (36.4%), proximal ureter calculi in 60 (9.8%), and calculi within a caliceal diverticulum in 85 (13.9%) patients. Stone-free status was defined as no visible residual calcification or remnant calcification smaller than 4 mm in diameter (clinically insignificant residual fragment) on a plain KUB (X-ray examination of the kidney, ureter, and bladder) image. Characteristics of the stones, operation time, stone-free rate, and complications were evaluated. Results: Initial stone burden was 665.9±600.6 mm. Average operation time was 103.2±58.6 minutes. The mean hospital stay was 7.9 days. The stonefree rate was 84.9%, and ancillary procedures were required in 66 patients (10.8%), including 34 (5.6%) second-look PCNL and 26 (4.3%) ureteroscopic procedures. In the univariate analysis for prediction of stone-free rate, hydronephrosis, stone type, stone composition, and stone burden were significant prognostic factors. In the multivariate analysis, initial stone burden was the only independent factor affecting the stone-free rate. Complications were found in 95 patients (16.1%), 5 (0.8%) of whom needed embolization due to bleeding and 23 (3.8%) of whom showed pleural complications. Conclusions: PCNL is an effective method for the treatment of staghorn, large calyceal, and some upper ureteral stones with acceptable complication rates. (Korean J Urol 2009;50:669-674) 󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏

Tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy in selected patients: a prospective randomized comparison

To prospectively compare the outcome of standard and tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) in a selected group of patients with renal stones. Patients with simple, isolated renal pelvis or lower pole caliceal stones and no significant hydronephrosis were randomly enrolled to undergo either standard PNL, in which routine nephrostomy tube was placed at the end of operation, or tubeless PNL. Occurrence of intraoperative complications, total operative time exceeding 2 h, indication for additional access or second-look PNL due to residual stones were exclusion criteria. There were 11 isolated lower pole caliceal stones (mean stone burden: 3.1 cm(2)) and 6 isolated renal pelvis stones (mean stone burden: 2.8 cm(2)) in the tubeless PNL group (n: 17), and 9 isolated lower pole caliceal stones (mean stone burden: 3.4 cm(2)) and 9 isolated renal pelvis stones (mean stone burden: 3.1 cm(2)) in the standard PNL group (n: 18). Mean operation time was 59.6 +/- 9.1 (range: 50-90) min in the tubeless group, and 67.3 +/- 10.1 (range: 60-115) min in the standard PNL group (P > 0.05). Successful stone removal was achieved in all patients, and no significant complication was observed in any case. The mean postoperative analgesic requirement was significantly less in the tubeless group (P < 0.05). Mean hospital stay was 1.6 +/- 0.4 (range: 1-3) days in the tubeless group, and 2.8 +/- 0.9 (range: 2-4) days in the former group (P < 0.05). Our results indicate that tubeless PNL is safe in the management of selected patients and that mean analgesic requirement as well as hospitalization time is diminished with this modification.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy in treatment of large stones within horseshoe kidneys

Objectives To present our experience with percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in the treatment of large stones within horseshoe kidneys. Methods The study included 34 patients with 45 stone-bearing horseshoe kidneys treated by PCNL in one center. The indications for PCNL were large stone burden (greater than 2 cm) in 10 kidneys (22.2%), multiple complex stones in 22 (48.9%), staghorn stones in 3 (6.7%), and failed extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in 10 kidneys (22.2%). All PCNL procedures were performed in a standard one-session technique with fluoroscopic guidance. Procedures were evaluated for intraoperative and postoperative complications, use of auxiliary procedures (second-look PCNL, ureteroscopy, and ESWL), and length of hospital stay. Moreover, the stone-free rate was calculated at discharge from the hospital and 3 months later. In addition, we assessed the need for secondary intervention during a mean follow-up of 75 ± 16 months (range 6 to 108). Results The stone burden ranged from 264 to 2408 mm 2 (mean 664 ± 153). Access to the horseshoe kidneys was supracostal in 10 (22.2%) and subcostal in 35 kidneys (77.8%). A single tract was used in 37 (82%), and two tracts were created in the remaining 8 kidneys (18%). Major complications were seen in six PCNL procedures (13.3%) and included significant hematuria requiring blood transfusion in three, septicemia in one, ureteral obstruction in one, and colonic injury in one. All complications were successfully treated. Auxiliary procedures were required in 12 patients (35.3%) and included ureteroscopy in 1, second-look PCNL in 3, and ESWL to fragment residual caliceal stones in 8 patients. The mean hospital stay was 4 ± 1.9 days (range 3 to 12). The stone-free rate was 82% at discharge and 89% at 3 months. During the course of follow-up, 19 patients (56%) developed stone recurrence and were successfully treated with ESWL in 8 and PCNL in 11. Conclusions PCNL is a safe and effective procedure in the treatment of large stones within horseshoe kidneys.