Stone Removal Rate Research Articles

The association between novel negative pressure ureteroscopic lithotripsy combined with flexible ureteroscopy versus percutaneous nephrolithotomy on stone-free rates: implications for clinical practice and policy

The correlation between novel negative pressure ureteroscopic lithotripsy (NP-URL) combined with flexible ureteroscopy (FU) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) on stone-free rates (SFR) remains unclear. There is a lack of evidence from Chinese populations regarding the relationship between SFR and NP-URL combined with FU (NP-URL-FU) versus PCNL. We aimed to assess the association between NP-URL-FU and PCNL on SFR. We conducted a cohort study involving 166 participants with 2–4 cm kidney stones. Data on SFR (7 days and 2 months) were collected from all participants. Logistic regression analysis was used to substantiate the research objectives. NP-URL-FU versus PCNL showed an 86% decrease in the 7-day SFR (OR = 0.14, 95% CI 0.07–0.29). The results remained stable even after adjusting for potential confounders. However, no statistically significant association was found between the surgical method and the 2-month SFR. Further exploratory subgroup analyses showed no significant interactions, with all P values > 0.05. Among patients with 2–4 cm kidney stones, NP-URL-FU was associated with a lower risk of incident 7-day SFR than PCNL. However, no statistically significant difference was found in the long-term stone removal rate. Therefore, NP-URL-FU may be a viable alternative surgical option for patients seeking minimally invasive procedures.

Modified dorsal recumbent position versus lithotomy position for flexible ureteroscopic lithotomy: a multicenter prospective randomized controlled clinical trial.

The lithotomy position (LP) may pose limitations and discomfort for elderly patients and those with a history of lower limb surgery, potentially leading to an increased risk of complications. And the LP is the conventional position during flexible ureteroscopic lithotomy for the treatment of ureteral calculi. However, it has some disadvantages, such as peripheral nerve injury and deep venous thrombosis in the lower limbs, etc. Therefore, we performed a new approach, which is named as modified dorsal recumbent position (MDRP). Currently, there is a lack of systematic analysis and standardization regarding the surgical positioning for flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy. The objective of the study was to assess whether there were any disparities in the overall duration of the procedure when comparing the MDRP with the LP. The investigation of the optimal position for flexible ureteroscopic lithotomy is essential for enhancing patient safety and comfort. This is a prospective, multicenter, randomized clinical trial. A total of 144 patients with renal or ureteral calculi from April 2021 to June 2022 were enrolled. Eligible patients were randomized to the MDRP group (n=72) or LP group (n=72). The patient's demographics, the placement of the surgical position (time of position placement, time of disinfection and towel laying, time of position return, degree of medical fatigue) and the operation safety (time of operation, time of ureteroscope from bladder neck to ureteral orifice, heart rate, blood pressure) of two groups were compared and analyzed. Between the two groups, the body positioning time (93.8±31.6 vs. 134.8±40.1 s, P=0.02), operation time (71.8±36.7 vs. 77.7±48.6 min, P=0.04), the time from the bladder neck to the ureteral orifice of the flexible ureteroscope spent by the doctors (3.4±4.7 vs. 10.3±14.7 s, P<0.001) and incidence rate of patient's lower limb soreness (19.4% vs. 49.7%, P=0.01) in the MDRP group were significantly shorter than those in the LP group. However, there was no significant difference in the stone removal rate (87.6% vs. 85.4%, P=0.09) or postoperative hospitalization days (4.3±1.4 vs. 4.1±1.6 d, P=0.08) between the two groups. This trial showed that the MDRP could not only effectively shorten the operation time, shorten the time from the bladder neck to the ureteral orifice of the ureteroscopic lithotripsy, but also place the patient's body in a functional position, stabilize the blood pressure during the operation, improve the comfort of the patient. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (No. ChiCTR2100053416).

Efficacy of mini-endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery for pediatric kidney calculi: a single center retrospective study

Management of large pediatric kidney calculi (PKC) is challenging. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of miniature endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (mini-ECIRS) for PKC. We retrospectively analyzed mini-ECIRS in 16 pediatric patients undergoing kidney stone treatment between November 2014 and October 2023 to determine its safety, efficacy, and associated outcomes. The median age was 50.50 (interquartile range: 36.75, 84.75) months, and the mean stone size was 21.63 ± 11.65 mm. The stone-free rate was 81.25%. The median decrease in hemoglobin level on the day after surgery was 1.10 (0.80, 1.55), and no patient required a blood transfusion. The median number of general anesthesia procedures was 2.00 (2.00, 2.00). Postoperative complications included fever in two patients and difficulty in removing the ureteral stent in one patient. In this cohort, five patients underwent pre-stenting under general anesthesia before mini-ECIRS. Age was significantly lower in the pre-stenting group than in the non-pre-stenting (P < 0.01); however, there were no significant differences in operative time, stone-free rate, total number of general anesthesia procedures, hemoglobin loss, or postoperative hospital stay between the groups. Mini-ECIRS was found to be a safe and efficient treatment method with a high stone removal rate in pediatric patients.

Study on the efficacy of He’s Tonglong Dashi Dashi Tang plus flavor combined with moxibustion in the postoperative period of ureteroscopic lithotripsy

Objective: To observe the effect of He’s Tongling Dashi Dai Shi Tang plus flavor combined with moxibustion on the efficacy of ureteroscopic lithotripsy after ureterolithotripsy. Methods: A total of 120 ureteral stone patients (admitted in August 2021–April 2023) were randomized into the control group and the study group, and the patients were treated with ureteroscopic lithotripsy; the patients in the control group (60 patients) were treated with conventional treatment after the operation, and the patients in the study group (60 patients) were treated with conventional treatment combined with He’s Tonglong Dashi Dai Shi Tang Plus Flavor and moxibustion, and clinical data of each group were compared. The clinical data of patients in the study group (60 patients) were compared with those of patients in the study group (60 patients), including stone clearance rate, postoperative complication rate, pain scores (visual analog pain scale (VAS)) at one week, two weeks, and three weeks postoperatively, C-reactive protein (CRP) level and white blood cell (WBC) level at one day and three weeks postoperatively. Results: The stone clearance rate of the study group (98.33%) was significantly higher than that of the control group (88.33%), [Formula: see text]; the postoperative complication rate of the study group (3.33%) was significantly lower than that of the control group (13.33%), [Formula: see text]; the VAS scores of the patients of the study group were lower than that of the control group at one week after surgery, two weeks after surgery and three weeks after surgery, [Formula: see text]; the VAS scores of the patients of the study group were lower than that of the control group, [Formula: see text]; and the VAS score of the patients of the study group was lower than that of the control group at one day and three weeks after surgery, [Formula: see text]. The CRP level and WBC level of the patients in the study group were lower than those in the control group in one day and three weeks after operation, [Formula: see text]. Conclusion: He’s Tonglong Dishi Dai Shi Tang plus flavor combined with moxibustion can enhance the efficacy of ureteroscopic lithotripsy, with a high rate of stone removal in the patients, a low rate of postoperative complications, mild postoperative pain, light inflammatory reaction, and a good recovery, so it is worthwhile to be applied.

A retrospective comparison of endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD) and endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage (ERBD) in the treatment of acute cholangitis

Endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD) and endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage (ERBD) can rapidly alleviate obstruction, facilitate bile drainage, and reduce pressure in the bile duct. In this study, to evaluate the effect of plastic biliary stent on the recurrence rate of choledocholithiasis in patients with actual cholangitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangioangiography (ERCP), we a comparative analysis of the efficacy and safety between ENBD and ERBD in inflammatory remission rate, complication rate, and success rate of secondary or multiple endoscopic lithotomy. A total of 347 patients undergoing ENBD and ERBD were enrolled in this retrospective study. Preoperative assessments including blood tests, electrocardiography, abdominal ultrasonography, CT scans, MRI, or MRCP were conducted on all participants. Additionally, serum CRP and amylase levels were measured using a magnetic nanobead-based immunoassay. We found that The success rate of stone removal in the ENBD group was higher than that in the ERBD group (90.8% vs. 72.7%) (P &lt;0.0001). The remission rate of inflammation in the ERBD group (100.0%) was higher than that in the ENBD group (98.7%) (P &gt;0.05). No significant difference was observed between the ERBD group and the ENBD group in preoperative and postoperative inflammatory indexes (total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, white blood cells, neutrophils, CRP, and serum amylase). Moreover, there were significant differences in post-ERCP pancreatitis between the ERBD group and ENBD group. These results suggest that both ENBD and ERBD can effectively improve clinical efficacy. Moreover, magnetic nanobeads have good application in serum index detection to increase detection efficiency.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy or flexible ureteral lithotripsy, which one is better for patients with upper ureteral calculi of 1.5–2.0 cm in diameter

PurposeFirst research to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of flexible ureteral lithotripsy (FURSL) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in the treatment of the upper ureteral stone is between 1.5 cm and 2.0 cm in diameter since there is no consensus with such ureteral stone yet.MethodsFrom December 2018 to October 2022, 104 patients with calculi in the upper ureter received percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)or flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy (FURSL) in our institution. The clinical data of the patients in the two groups were retrospectively searched. Stone removal rate, operation time, blood loss, postoperative pain score, postoperative inflammatory factor, postoperative complication rates and ureteral obstruction three months after the operation were compared between the two groups.ResultsA total of 104 patients were included in the study. The stone clearance rate and the secondary surgery rate were 88.89% and 7.41% in the FURSL group, the figures were 97.96% and 2.0% in the PCNL group (p = 0.067, 0.497). Regarding ureteral obstruction three months after the operation, there were 2 patients in FURSL group and 0 patients in PCNL group(p = 0.497).Compared to patients in FURSL group, patients in the PCNL group had shorter operation time(PCNL 71.81 ± 18.94 min vs. FURSL 86.80 ± 22.49 min, p = 0.0004), fewer complications(PCNL 20.37% vs. FURSL 6.12%), and lower postoperative inflammatory factor(p = 0.0004), yet they got more hemoglobin drop (PCNL 13.14 ± 9.81 g/L vs. FURSL 4.77 ± 3.55 g/L, p < 0.0001), higher postoperative pain scores(p = 0.0017) in the first three postoperative days and longer hospital stay (PCNL 4.96 ± 1.21 days vs. FURSL 3.60 ± 0.83 days).ConclusionBoth FURSL and PCNL were effective methods for treating upper ureteral stones of 1.5–2.0 cm in diameter given the extremely high stone clearance rate and a very low secondary surgery rate, as long as rare ureteral obstruction in medium-long term observation. Additionally, FURSL can effectively reduce surgical bleeding, postoperative pain, and hospital stay, while PCNL can decrease operation time, the risk of infection, and complications. Therefore, doctors could select suitable surgical treatment for those patients depending on their different clinical situations based on these findings.

Case Series of Endoscopic Papillary Balloon Dilation for Children with Common Bile Duct Stones and a Review of the Literature.

Background: Endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) has been employed for the endoscopic treatment of common bile duct stones (CBDSs) and has been reported to have a high success rate for stone removal. However, EST is associated with a risk of bleeding, perforation, and sphincter of Oddi function disruption. To avoid these risks, endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD) is an option for CBDS. Sphincter of Oddi function preservation decreases long-term biliary infection and gallstone recurrence. EPBD may have advantages in children who require a long follow up. However, there have been few reports on pediatric cases, particularly in infants. Methods: From September 2017 to December 2023, we performed EPBD for four pediatric CBDSs. The patients were aged from 5 months to 8 years, including two infants aged 5 and 6 months. Furthermore, we reviewed the stone removal rate and complications of 545 ESTs performed at high-volume centers and 13 EPBD-reported cases in children with CBDSs. Results: CBDSs of all patients who underwent EPBD in our institution were successfully removed. No bleeding or perforation was noted; pancreatitis was observed in three patients. In an analysis of 545 ESTs in children, the stone removal rate was high, ranging from 83% to 100% (mean 96%). The incidence of pancreatitis was 0-9.6% (mean 4.4%), and the grade of pancreatitis was almost mild. The bleeding frequency was 1.3-5.4% (mean 2.7%). With regards to the grade of bleeding, seven cases were mild (64%) and four were moderate (36%). Compared with adults who underwent EST, the frequencies of pancreatitis and bleeding were almost equal in children; however, in children, once bleeding occurs, it has a higher risk of leading to blood transfusion. Stone removal via EPBD in children has a 100% success rate. Pancreatitis was responsible for all complications were related; its frequency was 46% (6/13 patients, including five mild cases and one moderate case), which is higher than that of EST and adult cases who underwent EPBD. In most children with pancreatitis, pancreatic enzyme levels returned to normal within 2-3 days following EPBD, and no severe cases caused by EPBD were reported. Conclusions: CBDS removal via EPBD in children has a high success rate with very low risk of bleeding and perforation. Although pancreatitis frequently occurs, most cases are mild. Sphincter of Oddi function preservation via EPBD is expected to prevent long-term stone recurrence and biliary tract infection, and EPBD is considered to be an effective method for CBDS removal in children.

Role of advanced endoscopy in the management of inflammatory digestive diseases (pancreas and biliary tract).

The progress of endoscopic diagnosis and treatment for inflammatory diseases of the biliary tract and pancreas have been remarkable. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and EUS-elastography are used for the diagnosis of early chronic pancreatitis and evaluation of endocrine and exocrine function in chronic pancreatitis. Notably, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and electrohydraulic shock wave lithotripsy have improved the endoscopic stone removal rate in patients for whom pancreatic stone removal is difficult. Studies have reported the use of self-expanding metal stents for stent placement for pancreatic duct stenosis and EUS-guided pancreatic drainage for refractory pancreatic duct strictures. Furthermore, EUS-guided drainage using a double-pigtailed plastic stent has been performed for the management of symptomatic pancreatic fluid collection after acute pancreatitis. Recently, lumen-apposing metal stents have led to advances in the treatment of walled-off necrosis after acute pancreatitis. EUS-guided biliary drainage is an alternative to refractory endoscopic biliary drainage and percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage for the treatment of acute cholangitis. The placement of an inside stent followed by switching to uncovered self-expanding metal stents in difficult-to-treat cases has been proposed for acute cholangitis by malignant biliary obstruction. Endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage is an alternative to percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage for severe and some cases of moderate acute cholecystitis. EUS-guided gallbladder drainage has been reported as an alternative to percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage and endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage. However, it is important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each drainage method and select the optimal drainage method for each case.

Balloon endoscopy-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for hepatolithiasis in patients with hepaticojejunostomy.

Balloon endoscopy-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (BE-ERCP) is an emerging procedure for pancreatobiliary diseases in patients with surgically altered anatomy. However, data on BE-ERCP for hepatolithiasis after hepaticojejunostomy (HJS) are still limited. Stone removal success, adverse events and recurrence were retrospectively studied in consecutive patients who underwent BE-ERCP for hepatolithiasis after HJS between January 2011 and October 2022. Subgroup analysis was performed to compare clinical outcomes between patients who had undergone HJS over 10 years before (past HJS group) and within 10 years (recent HJS group). A total of 131 patients were included; 39% had undergone HJS for malignancy and 32% for congenital biliary dilation. Scope insertion and complete stone removal were successful in 89% and 73%, respectively. Early adverse events were observed in 9.9%. Four patients (3.1%) developed gastrointestinal perforation but could be managed conservatively. Hepatolithiasis recurrence rate was 17%, 20% and 31% in 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year after complete stone removal. The past HJS group was the only risk factor for failed stone removal (odds ratio 10.4, 95% confidence interval 2.99-36.5) in the multivariable analysis. Failed scope insertion (20%) and failed guidewire or device insertion to the bile duct (22%) were two major reasons for failed stone removal in the past HJS group. BE-ERCP for hepatolithiasis was effective and safe in cases with HJS but the complete stone removal rate was low in the past HJS group. Recurrent hepatolithiasis was common and careful follow up study is needed even after complete stone removal.

Comparing triple scope-combined bile duct exploration lithotripsy with laparoscopic hepatectomy for hepatolithiasis (with video)

BackgroundTo compare the efficacy of Three-scope combined (laparoscopic, rigid choledochoscopy and electronic choledochoscopy, TS) with laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) for patients with hepatolithiasis (HL). MethodsBetween January 2019 and January 2020, 118 consecutive patients with HL treated with TS (TS group, n = 57) or LH (LH group, n = 61) were analyzed in this study. Perioperative and long-term outcomes, including operative time, intraoperative blood loss, blood transfusion, postoperative bowel function recovery time, postoperative hospital stay, complication rate, stone removal rate, and stone recurrence rate, were compared and analyzed between the two groups. ResultsCompared with the LH group, the TS group had significantly lower intraoperative blood loss and transfusions, significantly shorter operative time and hospital stay, and fewer complications (P < 0.05 for all). There was no significant difference in the final stone removal rate, stone recurrence rate and postoperative bowel function recovery time (P > 0.05 for all). ConclusionTS is a safe and effective treatment for HL and is superior to LH in terms of overall treatment outcome and complications.

Comparison of stone clearance rate based on upper, middle, or lower calyx puncture in Mini Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (mPCNL)

Introduction: PCNL is the most common surgical technique used for the management of renal stones, particularly for those with more than 2 cm stones. The aim of this study is to identify which kidney calyx—upper, middle, or lower—when punctured achieves the highest stone clearance rate. Methods: This was a prospective non-randomised study performed in department of urology, KIST medical college from September 1, 2021 to November 16, 2022. Patients who underwent PCNL were evaluated with detailed history, examination, and investigation. All the patients who fulfill the inclusion criteria during study period were included in the study. After preoperative investigation PCNL was done according to standard protocol. Perioperative complication recorded in Performa. Stone-free status was checked after 2 months of surgery with ultrasonography. Results: 100 patients were included in this study among which 59 were male. The mean age of patients was 33.35 years [range 18-65 years]. Upper, middle and lower pole puncture was done in 23%, 33% and 44% patients respectively. The mean stone burden of the patient was 380.680 mm2. The average time for surgery according to access was 67.34 mins, 63.12mins, and 64.07 mins for the upper calyx, mid-calyx and for the lower calyx respectively. 84.33% of patients had complete stone clearance after 2 months in the USG examination. 91.3% [21] had stone clearance when approached through the upper calyx. It was 87.8%[29] by mid calyx and 75%[33] by lower calyx. Upper calyx puncture had statistical significance in stone clearance rate [P=0.43, P=0.021, P=0.002]. 11 had CRIF ≤4mm stone in PCS, and the remaining 6 had residual stone &gt;4mm. In our study, thoracic complications were significantly higher in upper calyx puncture 8[30.4%, 8[24.24% in the middle calyx, and 3[6.8%] in lower calyx [P=0.02, P=0.98, P=0.03] respectively. Conclusion: Upper calyceal puncture can produce the highest stone clearance rate, but it has been associated with significant postoperative morbidity, particularly in the chest. Lower calyx punctures have less intraoperative and postoperative morbidity, but their stone removal rates are lower than those of other procedures. Therefore, the balance between stone clearance rate and morbidity has been achieved using middle calyx puncture.

The influence of perioperative nursing intervention in patients with ureteral calculi treated with URSL and its correlation to adverse event incidence: A retrospective study

To evaluate the effectiveness of perioperative nursing intervention in patients undergoing ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URSL) for ureteral stones and its implications for the incidence of adverse events, a total of 144 patients with ureteral stones admitted to our hospital from January 2021 to December 2022 were selected for retrospective analysis. They were divided into 2 groups based on their different nursing methods, with 72 patients in each group. The control group (CG) received routine nursing intervention, while the study group (SD) received refined perioperative nursing intervention. The surgical situation, effective stone removal rate, postoperative pain, inflammatory factors, stress response, and incidence of adverse events were compared between the 2 groups. In comparison with the CG, the SD demonstrated a significant reduction in gastrointestinal recovery time, urinary catheter removal time, and hospitalization duration, all presenting statistically significant disparities (P &lt; .05). Notably, the SD exhibited a one-time stone removal rate significantly superior to that of the CG (P &lt; .05). Similarly, the postoperative pain index was significantly lower in the SD (P &lt; .05). Pre- and post-surgical serotonin (5-HT) levels in the SD were markedly lower than in the CG (P &lt; .05). Postoperative levels of Interleukin-10 (IL-10), C-reactive protein (CRP), and white blood cells (WBC) were elevated in both groups, and gradually declined as the patients recovered. However, postoperative levels of IL-10, CRP, and WBC were significantly lower in the SD (P &lt; .05). The SD also showed significantly lower levels of malondialdehyde and higher levels of superoxide dismutase (P &lt; .05). Postoperative levels of cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and norepinephrine were elevated and progressively returned to normal over time, and were significantly lower in the study group (P &lt; .05). Furthermore, the SD experienced a significant reduction in adverse event incidence compared with the CG (P &lt; .05). Implementing refined perioperative nursing interventions for patients undergoing URSL can effectively decrease the incidence of adverse events, diminish the surgical stimulation of inflammation markers and oxidative stress indicators, and foster patient recovery.

Comparison of the One-Step Prone Split-Leg Position to the Traditional Prone Position for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

To evaluate the one-step prone split-leg position compared to the traditional prone position for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data for 102 patients with upper urinary tract calculi who underwent PCNL at our hospital from April 2019 to December 2022. All PCNL procedures were performed by the same senior urologist. According to different surgical positions, the patients were divided into a one-step prone split-leg position group (observation group, n = 39) and a traditional bladder lithotomy position followed by prone position group (control group, n = 63). Then, the two groups were compared regarding the time of catheter insertion and channel establishment, channel size, time required for double-J stent placement, total operative time, postoperative hospital stay, stone removal rate, secondary operation rate and postoperative complications. There was no significant difference in the preoperative baseline characteristics of the patients between the two groups (all P > .05). Patients in the observation group had shorter total operative times, higher stone removal rates (76.9% [30/39] vs. 57.1% [36/63], P = .042), and lower secondary operation rates (10.3% [4/39] vs. 28.6% [18/63], P = .029) than those in the control group. There were no significant differences in the time of working channel establishment, channel size, postoperative hospital stay, or postoperative complications between the two groups (all P > .05). The one-step prone split-leg position is a safe and reliable surgical posture for treating upper urinary calculi in PCNL patients. It can not only shorten the overall operation time of PCNL but also improve the stone removal rate of the operation, thus reducing the secondary operation rate of multiple renal stones.

ERCP using balloon-assisted endoscopes versus EUS-guided treatment for common bile duct stones in Roux-en-Y gastrectomy

To compare endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography using balloon-assisted endoscope (BE-ERCP) with endoscopic ultrasonography-guided antegrade treatment (EUS-AG) for removal of common bile duct (CBD) stones in patients with Roux-en-Y (R-Y) gastrectomy. Consecutive patients with R-Y gastrectomy undergoing BE-ERCP or EUS-AG for CBD stones in 16 centers were retrospectively analyzed. BE-ERCP and EUS-AG were performed in 588 and 59 patients, respectively. Baseline characteristics were similar, except for CBD diameter and angle. Technical success rate was 83.7% vs. 83.1% (P = 0.956), complete stone removal rate was 78.1% vs. 67.8% (P = 0.102), and early adverse event rate was 10.2% vs. 18.6% (P = 0.076) in BE-ERCP and EUS-AG. The mean number of endoscopic sessions was smaller in BE-ERCP (1.5±0.8 vs. 1.9±1.0 sessions, P = 0.01), whereas the median total treatment time was longer (90 vs. 61.5 minutes, P = 0.001). Among patients with biliary access, complete stone removal rate was significantly higher in BE-ERCP (93.3% vs. 81.6%, P = 0.009). CBD diameter ≥15-mm (Odds ratio [OR], 0.41) and an angle of CBD <90-degree (OR, 0.39) were negative predictive factors in BE-ERCP, and a stone size ≥10-mm (OR, 0.07) and an angle of CBD <90-degree (OR, 0.07) in EUS-AG. The 1-year recurrence rate was 8.3% in both groups. Effectiveness and safety of BE-ERCP and EUS-AG were comparable in CBD stone removal for patients after R-Y gastrectomy, but complete stone removal after technical success was superior in BE-ERCP.

Effectiveness Of Double J Stent With Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy: An Analysis Of Stone-Free Rates

Introduction: Preservation of renal function and integrity is of profound importance and therefore renders stent-related symptoms a secondary concern. The usage of DJ stent is known for decades to support stone removal, this study aims to assess the effect of DJ stent after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for stone removal and DJ stent-related complications in adult patients. Methods: This is a prospective, comparative study, Patients were selected after being diagnosed with established radiological evidence of a single radio-opaque stone ≤ 2 cm. The presence of the visible radio-opaque shadow post-procedure indicated residual stones and negative results. Primary follow-up was recommended after 2 weeks post-procedure and participants were inquired about all the anticipated complications, data was entered on SPSS version 23.0 for analysis. The chi-square test was applied to assess the significance and a p-value ≤ 0.05 was deemed significant for our results. Results: The sample size of the study was 150, sorted equally into two separated groups categorized by presence and absence of DJ stent after ESWL, stone size was almost similar to avoid any confounding factor with the mean value of 1.24 ± 0.2 in group A and 1.6 ± 0.1 in group B, with a p-value of 0.05. Hematuria was categorized within mild 6(4%) &amp; 7(4.6%), moderate 6(4%) &amp; 5(3.3%) while gross hematuria was reported in 1(0.6%) &amp; 2(1.3%) in group A and B respectively. Conclusion: This study concluded that using a DJ stent with ESWL does not help in the stone passage or improve stone-free rates of stone removal after breaking the calculi with shockwave lithotripsy.

Effectiveness Of Double J Stent With Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy: An Analysis Of Stone-Free Rates

Introduction: Preservation of renal function and integrity is of profound importance and therefore renders stent-related symptoms a secondary concern. The usage of DJ stent is known for decades to support stone removal, this study aims to assess the effect of DJ stent after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for stone removal and DJ stent-related complications in adult patients. Methods: This is a prospective, comparative study, Patients were selected after being diagnosed with established radiological evidence of a single radio-opaque stone ≤ 2 cm. The presence of the visible radio-opaque shadow post-procedure indicated residual stones and negative results. Primary follow-up was recommended after 2 weeks post-procedure and participants were inquired about all the anticipated complications, data was entered on SPSS version 23.0 for analysis. The chi-square test was applied to assess the significance and a p-value ≤ 0.05 was deemed significant for our results. Results: The sample size of the study was 150, sorted equally into two separated groups categorized by presence and absence of DJ stent after ESWL, stone size was almost similar to avoid any confounding factor with the mean value of 1.24 ± 0.2 in group A and 1.6 ± 0.1 in group B, with a p-value of 0.05. Hematuria was categorized within mild 6(4%) &amp; 7(4.6%), moderate 6(4%) &amp; 5(3.3%) while gross hematuria was reported in 1(0.6%) &amp; 2(1.3%) in group A and B respectively. Conclusion: This study concluded that using a DJ stent with ESWL does not help in the stone passage or improve stone-free rates of stone removal after breaking the calculi with shockwave lithotripsy.

Comparison of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography outcomes between cap-fitted forward and side viewing endoscopes in patients with Billroth II anastomosis

BackgroundThere have been no previous studies that directly compared outcomes between cap-fitted forward-viewing and side viewing endoscopes (SE). This study aimed to compare the technical success rate and occurrence of adverse events between the side viewing and cap-fitted forward-viewing endoscope (CE) groups among patients with Billroth II anatomy who underwent ERCP.MethodsThe medical records of patients with a previous history of subtotal gastrectomy using Billroth II reconstruction who underwent ERCP at Yeungnam University Hospital between January 2004 and December 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were divided into CE and SE group. Propensity score matching analysis was performed to minimize selection bias.ResultsPropensity score matching resulted in 55 matched pairs for further analysis. Patients’ characteristics were comparable in the matched cohorts. Final success rate of selective bile duct cannulation was not significantly different between the SE and CE groups (98.2% vs. 94.5%, p = 0.308). The complete CBD stone removal rate in CBD stone and successful biliary drainage rate in malignant biliary obstruction were not significantly different between the two groups. The rate of total ERCP-related adverse events was higher in the CE group than in the SE group, but the difference was not statistically significant (10.9% vs. 7.3%, p = 0.507). Among adverse events, the rate of post-ERCP pancreatitis showed higher tendency in the CE group than in the SE group (10.9% vs. 5.5%, p = 0.297).ConclusionIn conclusion, CE seems to be equally effective as SE for ERCP in patients with Billroth II anatomy. However, attention should be paid to development of post ERCP complications, especially pancreatitis, when performed by CE.

Efficacy and safety of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients over 75 years of age.

To investigate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in elderly choledocholithiasis patients compared with younger groups. This was a case-control study conducted from January 2018 to December 2020 at Fuyang People's Hospital, with 596 patients included. Patients who underwent ERCP were classified as two groups based on age stratification definitions from the National Institute of Health and the World Health Organisation: Patients <75 ages (n = 204) and patients ≥75 ages (n = 392). Demographic characteristics, details of endoscopic therapy, complications were retrospectively reviewed and compared between two groups. The subgroup was pre-formed to further explore the efficacy and safety of ERCP in the elderly population. Between patients ≥75 ages and patients <75 ages, there were no significant differences in the complete stone removal rate and a second ERCP. Intubation difficulty (odds rate [OR]: 1.723, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.118-2.657) and longer ERCP operation time (β = 4.314, 95% CI: 2.366-6.262) were observed in the elderly group at a higher frequency than the younger group. Elder patients were more likely to have intra-operative complications (χ2 = 18.158, P < 0.001), and post-operative complications (χ2 = 8.739, P = 0.003). In the subgroup group, ERCP was efficacious and safe in elderly patients with comorbidities. ERCP may be efficaciously performed on elderly patients. However, intra-operative and post-operative complications of ECRP should also be taken into consideration when selecting therapeutic options.

The Usefulness of Peroral Cholangioscopy for Intrahepatic Stones.

Peroral cholangioscopy (POCS) is believed to be effective in treating intrahepatic stones; however, reports on its efficacy are few. We reviewed the results of intrahepatic stones treated with fluoroscopic guidance or POCS. This study included 26 patients who underwent endoscopic treatment for intrahepatic stones at our institution between January 2017 and December 2021. We retrospectively evaluated the procedure time and adverse events in the first session and the rate of complete stone removal. Complete stone removal was achieved in 92% (24/26); POCS was required in 16 of 26 (62%) procedures and the complete stone removal was achieved in 15 of 16 (94%) of these procedures. The POCS group had a significantly longer procedure time than the fluoroscopy group. Cholangitis incidence was high; however, no difference was noted between patients with and without POCS, and all cases were mild and treated conservatively. Endoscopic treatment for intrahepatic stones may lead to an increase in the incidence of cholangitis, requires specialized devices such as a cholangioscope, and should be performed in an established institution by experienced staff. POCS is useful for intrahepatic stones formed upstream of the stenosis and intrahepatic stones piled in the bile duct.

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy without indwelling ureteral catheter in older adults with upper urinary calculi: A retrospective study.

Retention of ureteral catheter to establish artificial hydronephrosis is a routine step of percutaneous nephrolithotomy procedure, which can improve the success rate of puncture, but it can prolong the procedure time and increase the risk of postoperative infection, especially for immunocompromised elderly patients. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the safety and effectiveness of ultrasound-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy without indwelling ureteral catheter for older patients with upper urinary calculi. The clinical data of 119 older patients admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University for percutaneous nephrolithotomy from January 2019 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into study and control groups according to whether the physician decided to use ureteral catheter during the procedure, and the differences in the success rate of one-time puncture, operative time, single-stage stone removal rate, postoperative hospital stay, and complication rate were compared between the 2 groups. There were no significant differences in the success rate of one-time puncture and single-stage stone removal rate between the 2 groups (P > .05). The operation time were significantly shorter in the study group [(30.0-61.0) minute vs (54.8-106.8) minute, P = .00], and the intraoperative bleeding was less in the study group [(5-20) mL vs (10-30) mL, P = .03]. The postoperative hospital stay was shorter in the study group [(2.5-4.0) days vs (3.0-5.0) days, P = .00], and the medical expenses were lower in the study group [(17,309.5-22,652.7) yuan vs (19,148.0-24,407.6) yuan, P = .02]. The incidence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome was lower in the study group (3.5% vs 19.4%, P = .007). There were no statistically significant differences in complications such as postoperative fever, renal artery embolism and blood transfusion between the two groups (P > .05). Ultrasound-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy without indwelling ureteral catheter for elderly patients with upper urinary stones is safe and feasible.