Tubeless Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Research Articles

Comparison of Combined Guidance of Fluoroscopy and Ultrasonography in Total Tubeless Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy with the Standard Method: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Utilizing the combination of fluoroscopy and ultrasonography during Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) to minimize radiation exposure. In this randomized clinical trial, 118 patients with urinary stones who were candidates for PCNL surgery in the prone position were selected and divided into two groups (with an allocation ratio of 1:1). Cases were grouped according to whether ultrasonography was used for renal tract dilation and Amplatz sheath placement. The number of attempts to establish proper renal access, the time interval between access to the targeted calyx and nephroscope entrance, and the Clavien-Dindo score were collected. The mean age of all patients was 46.12 ± 11.28 (45.6 ± 11.2 in the total fluoroscopy group and 46.5 ± 11.4 in the combined group) years (20-66). The intergroup differences in the baseline features were not significant. The mean duration of fluoroscopy time was significantly reduced in the combined guidance group (36.22 ± 10.73 vs. 23.05±8.94 seconds, (P-value = 0.001). Moreover, the difference in the distribution of Amplatz location on the nephroscopy time was meaningful (P-value = 0.016). However, intergroup differences in the number of attempts to successful puncture, length of hospitalization, recovery time, and postoperative complications, including gross hematuria duration, blood loss volume, pack cells requirement, pain score immediately and 6 hours after the surgery, and Clavien-Dindo score were not meaningful. It can be concluded that the use of ultrasound with X-ray in prone PCNL compared to the use of X-rays alone can significantly reduce the duration of radiation without increasing the risk of intra-operative and postoperative detrimental events.

A retrospective cohort study: evaluating the efficacy of standard versus tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in pediatric patients up to 18 years old.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is an endourological method applied as the standard or tubeless method for kidney stone treatment. In a retrospective cohort study, 88 surgery units involving 75 children up to 18years old with kidney stones who underwent the surgery for 8years in Shahid Beheshti and Boo-ali hospitals in Hamadan with one of the two methods of standard or tubeless PCNL were evaluated and compared considering the success rate of operation, hemoglobin, hematocrit drop, need for medications, need for blood transfusion, duration of surgery, and the length of hospital stay. Among the 88 units studied, 47 cases were operated with the standard PCNL and 41 cases by tubeless method. In children operated by standard and tubeless PCNL, the complete success rate of operation was 87.2% and 100% (P = 0.006), the need for blood transfusion was 2.1% and 0% (P = 1.00), the need for opioids was 27.7% and 14.6% (P = 0.134), the decrease in hemoglobin was -1.82 ± 0.94 and -1.30 ± 0.98mg/dl (P = 0.024), the decrease in hematocrit was -5.40 ± 2.66 and -3.52 ± 3.11mg/dL (P = 0.003), the mean surgery duration was 109.30 ± 53.27 and 101.46 ± 31.92min (P = 0.414), the duration of postoperative hospitalization was 3.38 ± 1.76 and 2.46 ± 1.27days (P = 0.007), and the frequency of fever was 23.4% and 7.3% (P = 0.04), respectively. The success rate of kidney stone surgery in children with the tubeless PCNL is higher than the standard method, and its complications are lower.

Comparison of safety and efficacy of tubeless vs. conventional mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy in patients with Escherichia coli bacteriuria.

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in patients with Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteriuria. We conducted a retrospective review of 84 patients with E. coli bacteriuria who underwent PCNL. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether a nephrostomy tube is placed at the end of the procedure. Preoperative clinical data, surgical outcomes, and postoperative complications were compared. Then, regression analysis of factors predicting success rate of PCNL in patients with E. coli bacteriuria was performed. After PCNL, residual fragments ≤ 4mm were considered as success. At baseline, the two groups were similar with regard to age, gender, BMI, underlying disease, hydronephrosis, stone characteristics, and urinalysis. Postoperative fever occurred in 1 patient (3.8%) in the tubeless PCNL group, and in 5 patients (8.6%) in the conventional PCNL group (p > 0.05). There were no significant differences in terms of successful rate, decrease in hemoglobin, pain scores, blood transfusion, and hospitalization expenses. However, the tubeless PCNL group had significantly shorter operative time (60 vs. 70min, p = 0.033), indwelling time of catheter (2 vs. 4 days, p < 0.001), and hospital stays (3 vs. 5 days, p < 0.001) than the conventional PCNL group. In the analysis of factors predicting success, the stone diameter, stone burden, and operative time were associated with success rate of PCNL. It is safe and effective to perform tubeless PCNL in patients with E. coli bacteriuria. Compared to conventional PCNL, tubeless PCNL accelerates patient recovery and shortens hospital stays.

A Cross-Sectional Study Comparing Tubed PCNL And Tubeless PCNL: An Experience at the Institute of Kidney Diseases (IKD), Peshawar

Background: Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has revolutionized the treatment of large renal and proximal ureteric stones, offering a minimally invasive alternative to open surgery. The introduction of tubeless PCNL, which omits the placement of a nephrostomy drainage tube, has generated discussion regarding its efficacy and safety compared to the traditional tubed PCNL. Objective: This study aims to compare the outcomes of tubed versus tubeless PCNL in terms of post-operative complications, recovery time, and efficacy in stone removal. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 110 patients who underwent PCNL at the Institute of Kidney Disease, Peshawar, from January 2017 to December 2020. Patients were allocated into two groups, tubed PCNL (n=50) and tubeless PCNL (n=50), based on 1:1 sequential randomization. The inclusion criteria were ASA I and ASA II classification, age between 5 to 70 years, and single tract procedure with complete clearance without the need for a second look nephrostomy. Exclusion criteria included patients with a solitary kidney, active urinary tract infections, and congenital malformations. Data on age, gender, co-morbidities, history of ESWL, stone size, location, quantity, and post-operative outcomes were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results: No significant differences were found in patient demographics or stone characteristics between the two groups. The tubeless PCNL group demonstrated a significantly lower rate of post-operative ESWL sessions (4% vs. 22%, p=0.02) and a trend towards shorter hospital stays, although not statistically significant. The drop in hemoglobin levels post-operation was less in the tubeless group (0.84 ± 1.87 mg/dl) compared to the tubed group (1.56 ± 0.91 mg/dl), but this was not statistically significant (p=0.17). Conclusion: Tubeless PCNL offers a viable alternative to traditional tubed PCNL, particularly for patients with smaller renal stones. It is associated with a lower need for post-operative ESWL sessions and potentially shorter hospital stays, suggesting an advantage in terms of recovery and post-operative comfort. Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings and explore the long-term outcomes of the tubeless technique.

A Comparative Analysis between Flexible Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy and Tubeless Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in the Treatment of >15 mm Non-Obstructing Proximal Ureteral Stones.

The proper surgical modality for large non-obstructing proximal ureteral stones is disputed. We compare effectiveness and safety of flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy (FURL) and tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (TPNL) in treatment of upper ureteral stones larger than 1.5 cm. We reviewed the medical records of patients who performed FURL or TPNL for upper ureteral stones between June 2016 and November 2018. Comparative analysis was conducted regarding demographic parameters, stone free rate, postoperative pain and complications. This study included 58 patients treated with FURL and 60 patients treated with TPNL owing to upper ureteral stones larger than 1.5 cm. Stone size was similar in the FURL and TPNL groups (17.6 ± 2.6 vs. 18.0 ± 2.1 mm, p = 0.194). The overall 3-month stone clearance rate was 95.8% for FURL versus 96.0% for TPNL (p = 0.575). There was no difference between the FURL and TPNL groups for hospital stay (p = 0.280) and postoperative complications. On the other hand, patients treated with FURL had longer operative time (p = 0.012) and less postoperative pain (p = 0.008). Both surgical techniques were considered feasible and effective surgical procedures in the treatment of large upper ureteral stones.

Tubeless PCNL versus standard PCNL for the treatment of upper urinary tract stones: a propensity score matching analysis

PurposeIn this study, the feasibility of tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for the treatment of upper urinary tract stones was investigated.MethodsFrom January 2021 to December 2022, the clinical data of 273 patients who received tubeless PCNL (Group A) were studied. The control group includes clinical data from 302 patients (from January 2019 to October 2022) who received standard PCNL (Group B). The baseline characteristics were consistent between the two groups after using the propensity score matching (PSM) method. Compare the preoperative clinical characteristics, postoperative complications, residual stones, catheterization time, and hospital stay between the two groups.Results146 pairs of patients were successfully paired through PSM. There was no statistically significant difference in operative time, blood leukocyte counts, haemoglobin decrease, fever, urinary extravasation, sepsis, bleeding, blood transfusion rates, embolism, and residual stones after surgery between the two groups; Postoperative day 1 and discharge day, the VAS pain score in Group A was significantly lower than that in Group B. The catheterization time and hospitalization time of patients in Group A were significantly lower than those in Group B.ConclusionAccording to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, selecting suitable patients for tubeless PCNL is safe and effective, while significantly alleviating pain and reducing catheterization time and hospital stay.

Comparison of Two Centers' Experience in Pediatric Supine and Prone Miniaturized Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy with Propensity Match Analysis.

Introduction: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) is the treatment of choice in children with complex and large stones. With the experience gained from adult practice, supine PNL is increasingly performed in children as well. We aimed to evaluate the comparative results of prone and supine mini-PNL (m-PNL) performed for large/complex stones in children. Patients and Methods: The study included children who underwent supine and prone m-PNL at two centers between September 2019 and 2022. Patients were divided into two groups with a 1:1 ratio to index supine m-PNL and prone m-PNL cases for the size, number, location of the stones, degree of hydronephrosis, and age. Operative related parameters, success, and complication rates are being discussed on a procedure-based manner. Results: Forty-two patients (21 supine and 21 prone) were included. The mean age was 9.6 ± 4 years and mean stone size was 28.8 ± 13.6 mm. Regarding the operative data, the mean duration of procedure time was 65.7 ± 17.8 minutes in supine group, whereas 86.9 ± 19.0 minutes in prone group (p = 0.001). Fluoroscopy time was shorter in supine group (p = 0.027). Tubeless PNL was performed in 11 cases of prone group (52%), whereas this number was 18 (86.7%) in supine group (p = 0.019). Stone-free rates were similar in both groups (supine m-PNL: 90.5%, prone m-PNL: 85.7%, p = 0.634). Complications were minor in nature in most of the cases of both groups, which resolved with supportive measures in a short period of time. However, there was a statistically significant difference regarding the location and number accesses between two groups (p = 0.008). Simultaneous flexible ureterorenoscopy was performed in eight patients in the supine PNL group (<0.001). Conclusions: Our current findings and the highly limited data reported in the literature indicate that as an established minimal invasive treatment alternative m-PNL procedure in supine position can also be performed with similar success and complication rates in pediatric population.

Camposampiero tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (tPCNL): Easy, quick, effective, safe.

To describe our technique to perform tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (tPCNL) using hemostatic matrix (i.e. Floseal®) for the closure of the percutaneous tract, developed through the experience gained in our endourology specialized center. To evaluate the procedure efficacy and safety. tPCNL performed in our center with Floseal® application from February 2017 to December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical and surgical data were collected in order to evaluate the success of the procedure and possible complications. Camposampiero technique is reported in detail. Sixty-nine patients (45 males, mean age 58 years old) were included. In all patients the procedure was completed successfully and in 88% of subjects no further treatments were necessary; a low complication rate (6.9%) was reported. In our experience, tPCNL with Floseal application is feasible, safe, and effective.

Comparative analysis of standard, tubeless and total tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy: A prospective study.

This study was done to review and compare safety, effectiveness and advantages of total tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), tubeless PCNL with standard PCNL. This prospective comparative study involving 30 patients in each total tubeless PCNL, tubeless PCNL and standard PCNL group from Feb 2021 to June 2022. Significant difference was found in mean duration of surgery (p < 0.01), mean hospital stay (p < 0.01), mean VAS post op score (p < 0.01), mean time to return to normal activity (p < 0.01) in total and tubeless PCNL group as compared with standard PCNL. While no significant difference found in mean haemoglobin drop (p = 0.1417), blood transfusion (p = 3721), incidence of urine leak (p = 0.13), need of accessory secondary procedure (p = 0.1322) and associated complications (p = 0.5939) among three groups. Study observed that total tubeless, tubeless PCNL is a safe and efficient technique. It is significantly associated with the advantages of shorter hospital stay, shorter time to return to normal activity, lower postoperative pain scores. Total tubeless PCNL obviates need of second procedure of removing DJ stent. Standard, tubeless and total tubeless PCNL have similar post op complication rate. Study thus concludes that total tubeless, tubeless PCNL can be used as a substitute for traditional standard PCNL.

Complications of tubeless versus standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

The necessity of nephrostomy tube after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has been called into question in modern series. We sought to examine differences in postoperative complications and outcomes of tubeless PCNL versus standard PCNL at our institution. A retrospective review of our institutional stone database was conducted from January 2016 to December 2021 for patients who had undergone either tubeless PCNL, defined by placement of only an internal ureteral stent, or standard PCNL, which involved placement of an externalized nephrostomy tube. Patients were excluded if they underwent totally tubeless PCNL. A total of 438 patients were included for analysis: 329 patients underwent tubeless PCNL and 109 patients underwent standard PCNL. Between tubeless and standard groups, there was no difference in readmission rates 6.1% vs. 9.2% (p = 0.268), Clavien 2 or > complications 18.5% vs. 19.3% (p = 0.923), and Clavien 3 or > complications 4.0% vs. 7.3% (p = 0.151). The tubeless group experienced shorter operative duration 121.5 vs. 144.8 min (p = 0.012), shorter length of stay 2.5 vs. 3.8 days (p = 0.002), and higher stone-free rates 72.3% vs. 60.2% (p = 0.014), but also increased blood transfusion rates 6.4% vs. 0.9% (p = 0.022). In comparing tubeless with standard PCNL, there was no difference in readmission rates, or significant Clavien complication rates. Patients undergoing tubeless PCNL experienced higher stone-free rates, but more number of patients required postoperative blood transfusion. The decision to leave a nephrostomy tube after PCNL appears unlikely to impact overall complication rates and can be left to surgeon experience and case-based discretion.

Outcome of Tubeless Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in Patients with Single Kidney; A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: While tubeless Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is becoming more popular, there might still be doubt in performing it on single kidney patients. This study is performed to assess outcomes and complications of tubeless PCNL in patients with single kidney.&#x0D; Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 134 single kidney patients who underwent tubeless PCNL for renal stones, were assessed for outcomes including stone-free rate, duration of operation, length of hospital stay, changes in serum creatinine and hemoglobin levels, bleeding, infectious complications, damage to adjacent organs, and mortality. These outcomes were compared based on age, sex, history of comorbidities, history of interventions for kidney stones and the number of accesses during the operation.&#x0D; Results: Mean duration of operation was 139.14 minutes. Mean length of hospital stay was 2.59 days. In total, 11.9% of patients required intraoperative blood transfusion and 3.7% required ICU admission due to complications. The most common postoperative complications included fever, hematuria and UTI. Initial stone-free rate after surgery was 67.2% and two weeks later 76.9%. No mortality was reported. Postoperative serum creatinine levels increased slightly in short term, however, improved significantly in long-term. Comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and chronic kidney disease were associated with a higher incidence of minor and major complications of tubeless PCNL and a lower rate of stone-free rate.&#x0D; Conclusion: Tubeless PCNL is a relatively safe, feasible and efficient method with acceptable complications in single kidney patients.

Current advances in pain regimens for percutaneous nephrolithotomy A comprehensive review.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) causes pain and discomfort after surgery. The primary causes of immediate postoperative pain after PCNL are visceral pain from the ureters and kidneys, and body surface discomfort from incisions. Acute, untreated pain has the potential to develop into chronic pain, which remains a considerable burden for the rehabilitation of patients. The goal of this review was to describe the current options for treating pain post-PCNL. We conducted a literature review of all published manuscripts on pain protocols for patients undergoing PCNL and related topics; 50 published manuscripts were identified and reviewed. PCNL morbidity must be reduced by an appropriate management of postoperative pain. Opioids, multimodal therapy, tubeless PCNL, reduced size of nephrostomy tube, and regional anesthesia are currently available for reducing postoperative pain. Implementing successful treatment strategies for postoperative pain after PCNL is key in reducing the morbidity and mortality of PCNL.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy in supine position with less than 24-hour hospital stay; a single-center experience

ABSTRACT Objectives To report our initial experience of day care percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) with early hospital discharge within less than 24 hours of the procedure. Patients and Methods The files of patients treated with PCNL between 1st January 2020 till 31st December 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Day care PCNL was defined as the discharge of patients either on the same day or within 24 hours after surgery. Patient age, ASA score, body mass index, stone diameter, laterality, stone burden, Hounsfield unit, and Guy’s score were analyzed. Operative time, size of the access tract, method of lithotripsy, estimated blood loss, and length of hospital stay were also recorded. Postoperative complications were stratified according to the Dindo-Clavien classification. The primary outcome was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of early discharge within 24 hours after PCNL compared to the in-patients who were kept in hospital for at least 2 days after surgery. Results A total of 85 patients underwent PCNL at our center of whom 36 patients were discharged within 24 hours (day care PCNL) of the procedure and 49 patients were kept for at least 2 days (in-patient PCNL). In the day care group, median stone burden was 465 mm2 (360-980) and 18 patients (50%) had Guy’s stone score ≥ III. The median tract size was 24 (13-30) and endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS) was performed in 7 cases in the day care group. Tubeless PCNL was carried out in 88.8% of the day care surgery group compared to 37.5% in the in-patient group (p < 0.0001). The postoperative complication rate was comparable between both groups (13.8% vs 22.4% for day care vs in-patient group, respectively, p = 0.08). Conclusions Day care PCNL is feasible and safe for selected patients including those having large stone burden without increasing the risk of complications or readmission rate.

A study of standard versus tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy: Our institutional experience

Background: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is considered to be the standard procedure in patients with large renal calculus. The purpose of this study is to analyze the evidence-based literature regarding the “nephrostomy-free” or “tubeless” PCNL and to assess the safety, efficacy, possibility, and benefits of tubeless PCNL over standard PCNL. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to review and compare tubeless PCNL with standard PCNL. Materials and Methods: It is a retrospective study done between August 2021 and December 2022. 100 cases of stone disease with stone size more than 2 cm who underwent PCNL in the Department of Urology, Govt hospital, Salem. Patients are divided into two groups (Group A and Group B) of 50 each depending on date of surgery. Results: In our study, we compared tubeless PCNL versus standard PCNL in patients with stone disease. Tubeless PCNL was performed with success in patients of age 13 years–65 years. 36 were female patients, whereas 64 were male patients in this study. All the results were presented in a tabulated form in our study. Conclusion: Tubeless PCNL is a safe and effective technique and is associated with decreased pain, low analgesic requirement, less operating time, and faster recovery. However, it has its own limitation that precludes secondary procedure for the treatment, removal of internal stent, dysuria, and need to visit hospital for subsequent removal of internal stent.

Применение «безнефростомной» перкутанной нефролитотрипсии у детей.

Introduction. Currently, percutaneous renal surgery is a common surgical procedure in urologic practice for the treatment of large and staghorn renal stones. Placement of a nephrostomy tube has been well recognized as a standard procedure to provide hemostasis, adequate drainage, and access for additional endoscopic procedures. At the same time, the use of a nephrostomy tube has negative consequences such as discomfort/pain symptom, longer hospital stay and possible urine extravasation. In view of the above, draining of the access tract raises questions in some cases. The aim of the study was effectiveness of tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotripsy in the treatment of urolithiasis in children. Materials and methods. Between 2013 and 2019, 66 patients (aged 1-17 y/o) underwent tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) at the Department of Pediatric Urology of N. Lopatkin Scientific Research Institute of Urology and Interventional Radiology. Patients were divided into three groups depending on the size of the instruments and the way the operation was completed. The first group (n=28) underwent surgery using the mini-PNL technique with the closure of the access tract. The second group (n=21) underwent surgery using the mini-PNL technique in the end of the surgery, moderate bleeding along the tract was detected in order to stop bleeding, a hemostatic matrix with thrombin was introduced. The third group (n=17) underwent surgery using the standard PNL technique and moderate bleeding was also determined in this group with the aim of tubeless completion, a hemostatic matrix with thrombin was introduced. Drainage of the upper urinary tract in the postoperative period was carried out by "JJ"-internal and "J"-external ureteral stents, which were held for up to 14 days. Results. The complete removal of the calculus in one surgical session was similar in all three groups. In the first group there were 26 (92.8%) children, in the second group 19 (90.4%) and in the third group 16 patients (94.1%). In the first group it was 26 (92.8%) children, in the second group 19 (90.4%) and in the third group 16 patients (94.1%). The need for additional interventions after surgical treatment was 21.4% in the first group, 23.7% in the second and 17.5% in the third group. Febrile fever (persistent temperature 380 C) most often occurred in the first group – in 10.7% of cases, while in the second and third groups this complication was detected in 4.7% and 5.8% of cases, respectively. Gross hematuria in the postoperative period was noted in the group without the use of a hemostatic matrix, averaging 35 (2-115) hours. Conclusion. The proposed tubeless PNL with the use of a hemostatic matrix is indicated for children without bacteriuria, with complete removal of the calculus, in the absence of trauma of the pelvicalyceal system and intensive bleeding. The duration of gross hematuria decreased with the introduction of the matrix in standard tubeless PNL by 51.4% and in mini-PNL by 25.8% compared with the 1-st group

Comparing Tubeless and Tubed Approaches in Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy for Moderate Renal Calculi: Outcomes on Safety, Efficacy, Pain Management, Recovery Time, and Cost-Effectiveness.

Introduction This study focuses on investigating the effect of routine nephrostomy tube placement in patients with moderate renal calculi of size 2.5 cm or less who undergo uncomplicated percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) procedures. Previous studies have not specified whether only uncomplicated cases were included in the analysis, which may affect the results. This study aims to provide a clearer understanding of the effect of routine nephrostomy tube placement on blood loss in a more homogeneous patient population. Materials and methods A prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted at our department over 18 months, dividing 60 patients with a single renal or upper ureteric calculus of size ≤2.5 cm into two groups: 30 patients in each group (group 1: tubed PCNL, group 2: tubeless PCNL). The primary outcome was the drop in perioperative hemoglobin leveland the number of packed cell transfusions necessary. The secondary outcome included the mean pain score, analgesic requirement, length of hospital stay, time to return to normal activities, and the total cost of the procedure. Results The two groups were comparable in age, gender, comorbidities, and stone size. The postoperative hemoglobin level was significantly lower in the tubeless PCNL group (9.56 ± 2.13 gm/dL) compared to the tube PCNL group (11.32 ± 2.35 gm/dL) (p = 0.0037), and two patients in the tubeless group required blood transfusion. The duration of surgery, pain scores, and analgesic requirement were comparable between the two groups. The total procedure cost was significantly lower in the tubeless group (p = 0.0019), and the duration of hospital stay and time to return to daily activities were significantly shorter in the tubeless group (p < 0.0001). Conclusions Tubeless PCNL is a safe and effective alternative to conventional tube PCNL, with the advantages of shorter hospital stay, faster recovery, and lower procedure costs. Tube PCNL is associated with less blood loss and the need for transfusions. Patient preferences and bleeding risk should be considered when choosing between the two procedures.

Total tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy without artificial hydronephrosis in preschool children: Three case reports.

Indwelling ureteral catheter, double J tube, or nephrostomy tube are routine procedures for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in children. There are a few cases in which PCNL has been performed in children without any additional instruments being left in place. In this study, 3 children were treated for hematuria and complicated with different degrees of urinary tract infection. All of them were diagnosed as upper urinary tract calculi by abdominal computed tomography. Three preschoolers were diagnosed with upper urinary tract calculi before surgery, one with no hydronephrosis and the other 2 with different degrees of hydronephrosis. After preoperative evaluation, all the children successfully completed PCNL without indwelling ureteral catheter, double J tube, or nephrostomy tube. The operation was successful and there were no residual stones observed during postoperative review. The operating times for the children were 33 minutes, 17 minutes, and 20 minutes, and the intraoperative bleeding volumes were 1 mL, 2 mL, and 2 mL. The catheter was removed on the second day after the operation, the postoperative review of the abdominal computed tomography or ultrasound did not indicate any stone residue, and there were no fever, bleeding, and other related complications after the operation. We believe that total tubeless PCNL without artificial hydronephrosis can be achieved in the preschool population.

Comparison between Standard Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy versus Tubeless Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

Background: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) technique has become a routine treatment for upper urinary calculi. Objectives: To describe the socio-demographic characteristics of the patients and to compare the outcome of operated patients. Materials And Methods: This was a retrospective study, of patients underwent PCNL in our Urology Center, between January 2020 and December 2022. Data of age, side, location of stone, size of stone, operating time, hospital stay, post operation pain, residual stones, fever, fistula, blood transfusion, and postoperative infection were recorded and compared between the two groups. Data were analyzed by using the SPSS version 22. Independent t-tests were used to analyze continuous variables, while for categorical variables chi-square test was used to compare two groups and a p value of less than 0.05 was determined as statistically significant. Results: 51.1% of the patients were females and 48.9% were males, (P = 0.000). The mean age was 38.1 ± 11.1 years. The highest number of patients were in the age group 30 – 39 years (40.0%), (P = 0.000). The location of stones was in pelvic (48.9%), lower calyces (30.0%) and pelvic + lower calyces (21.1%), (P = 0.000). Pain was more common as moderate in both groups PCNL (42.2%). Residual stones were (23.4%) only in standard PCNL group, (P = 0.000). Fever was in (7.8%) standard PCNL and in tubeless PCNL was in (2.2%), (p = 0.045). Blood transfusion was provided to (5%) for the standard PCNL patients and (3.3%) for tubeless PCNL patients. Patients who had standard PCNL had postoperative infectious (2.2%) was found in standard PCNL patients. Mean operation-time and mean hospital stay of standard PCNL was predominant. Conclusion: Tubeless PCNL proved to be the safest and most effective. Keywords: Comparison, standard, tubeless percutaneous, nephrolithotomy.

The modified technique of totally tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy with a safety suture thread

The modified technique of totally tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy with a safety suture thread

Retrospective evaluation of outcome of percutaneous nephrolithotomy at a tertiary care center in eastern Nepal

Background: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is considered as the standard treatment for renal tract stones. It is a successful procedure with low complication rate. Objective was to evaluate the outcome measures in large renal stone including stone free rates and complications in patients underwent PCNL. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in 120 patients who underwent PCNL for renal stone size 2 to 2.5 cm, between 2019 and 2021. Ethical clearance was obtained from the institutional review committee (IRC/2430/022). The data were collected from the records available in the medical record section. The data were analyzed for patient demographics, investigations, site of puncture, stone-free rates (SFRs), type of nephroscope, use of nephrostomy tube, blood transfusion, hospital stay and complications. Results: Out of 120 cases, 64 (53.3%) were males and 67 (55.8%) presented with renal stone on the right kidney. Renal stone was in pelvis in 47 (39.2%) patients. In 47 (39.2%) cases puncture was made in the lower pole. Stone free clearance rate was 92.5% and 4.2% patients required blood transfusion. There was no statistical difference in intraoperative complication like bleeding in supracostal puncture group and subcostal puncture group [25% vs 13.2%; p=0.13] and in tube group and tubeless group (43.9% vs 3.8%; p&lt;0.001). There was significant difference in length of hospital stay and duration of Foley’s catheter removal between supracostal group vs subcostal group and tube group vs tubeless group (p&lt;0.05). Postoperative complications like fever were seen in 14 (23.0%) and four (6.8%) patients with standard nephroscope group and mini nephroscope group respectively and it was statistically significant (p&lt;0.05). Conclusions: Mini and tubeless PCNL had a good success rate with minimal complication. The total stone clearance rate in our study was 92.5%.