Retroperitoneal Extrusion of a Staghorn Calculus With a Nephrocutaneous Fistula Following a Percutaneous Nephrostomy: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Renal calculi forming a nidus for chronic infection is an established cause of nephrocutaneous fistulation. Although uncommon, extrusion of renal calculi from the kidney can occur on rare occasions. We describe a case of a spontaneously extruded staghorn calculus measuring 3.5 x 2.5 cm from the kidney into the retroperitoneal space resulting from a neglected nephrostomy tube resulting in a nephrocutaneous fistula. We describe the surgical management of the extruded calculus.

A Rare Case of Emphysematous Pyelonephritis in a Non-diabetic Patient With Staghorn Calculus.

Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) represents a severe and acute infection localized in the renal parenchyma and surrounding perirenal area, typically observed in individuals with predisposing factors such as urinary tract obstruction, diabetes mellitus, or compromised immune function. Here, we present a unique case involving a 23-year-old female patient presenting to the emergency department with complaints of discomfort localized to the right side of her abdomen. Despite the absence of diabetes mellitus, the patient was diagnosed with EPN based on clinical presentation and imaging findings. Prompt and effective management was initiated under the care of the urology department, highlighting the importance of early recognition and intervention in mitigating the potential complications associated with this severe infectious process.

Xanthogranulomatous Pyelonephritis: Case Report.

BACKGROUND: In the emergency department (ED), pyelonephritis is a fairly common diagnosis, especially in patients with unilateral flank pain. Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) is a rare type of pyelonephritis that is associated with unique features, which may lead to its diagnosis. CASE REPORT: A 30-year-old male patient presented to the ED for evaluation of right-sided abdominal pain that has been ongoing for the past 24 hours. He noted the pain was located predominantly in the right flank and described it as sharp in nature. The pain was nonradiating and was associated with scant hematuria. He stated that he had similar pains approximately 1 month earlier that resolved after a few days. The patient underwent a bedside ultrasound and a subsequent computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis, which showed an enlarged, multiloculated right kidney with dilated calyces and a large staghorn calculus, findings that represent XGP. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: This case report highlights an unusual variant of pyelonephritis, a relatively common ED diagnosis. XGP should be considered in patients with recurrent pyelonephritis, as treatment for XGP may require surgical intervention in addition to traditional antibiotic management.

Staghorn Calculus with Adenomatoid Tumor: A Case Report.

Testicular adenomatoid tumor is very rare. More understanding of the tumor and treatment is required for better outcomes. A 63-year-old man visited a urologist for staghorn calculus. During follow-up, he had recurrent left flank pain and intermittent hematuria. Computed tomography demonstrated left staghorn calculus, and then further assessment revealed left testicular swelling. Ultrasound showed epididymal mass. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy was deferred and we performed left radical orchiectomy. A pathologic examination revealed testicular adenomatoid tumor. This case highlights the importance of awareness of a very rare benign tumor in a patient with staghorn calculus.

Pyelo-hepatic abscess caused by staghorn stone infection: a case report.

BACKGROUND: The most common source of pyogenic liver abscess is biliary tract infection. Other less common routes include the spread of bacteria from distant foci. However, direct extension of a perinephric infection focus to the liver is extremely rare. CASE REPORT: The patient was a non-diabetic, immunocompetent, 29-year-old woman of mixed race ancestry with a history of recurrent urinary tract infections who was referred to our hospital because of an ultrasound-detected liver abscess. She was initially treated with metronidazole for 20 days at the referring institution for suspected amebic abscess without improvement. On admission to our center, she was febrile and complained of a dull right upper quadrant pain. A POCUS ultrasound suggested a pyogenic abscess, probably from a staghorn calculus infection. She received meroperem and amikacin for 22 and 10 days, respectively. Repeat hemocultures showed no growth, but urine cultures were positive for Proteus sp. Complete remission of clinical and imaging findings was observed under antibiotics. The patient was referred to the urology outpatient clinic to discuss the option of radical nephrectomy. CONCLUSION : This case underlines the high morbidity of staghorn calculi.

A huge staghorn renal stone: Is there still a need for open surgery to protect against further damage to the kidney? A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Staghorn calculi (SC) occupy the renal pelvis and calyces and are common in females linked to repeated urinary tract infections (UTIs). Judicious surgery planning reduces the chance of further damage to the kidney due to renal SCs. Open stone surgery (OSS) is one of the various operative techniques to remove such huge stones with one operative intervention and protect the kidney from ongoing functional damage. CASE REPORT: A 47-year-old male patient presented with right-sided renal colic pain, and on further investigations, he was diagnosed with a large renal stone responsible for substantial renal function impairment on the same side. The SC measured 8 × 4 cm with another stone in the lower calyx. thinner parenchyma, and only 16% relative function. Therefore, open surgery was selected over less invasive approaches because multiple lithotripsy (ESWL) sittings may have been required in less invasive options. DISCUSSION: SCs, which can be complete or partial, often result in renal impairment. Hence, it is crucial to implement a proactive therapeutic approach that includes a thorough evaluation of the stone's size and position, the patient's choice, and institutional capacity. Complete elimination of SCs is preferred to maintain maximal renal function. Based on clinical, technical, and socioeconomic considerations, open pyelolithotomy or OSS was chosen over percutaneous nephrolithotomy for SC removal in the discussed case. CONCLUSION: The ability to remove large stones in a single intervention with open pyelolithotomy has been very effective due to its distinctive clinical presentation and pathological abnormalities.

Providencia alcalifaciens in a patient with a staghorn calculus: a novel presentation.

A member of the Enterobacteriaceae family, Providencia alcalifaciens is typically recognized as a source of gastrointestinal illness. Although its pathogenicity is not well known, many studies have suggested its mechanism of action involves the invasion of the intestinal mucosal layer. Although P. alcalifaciens is a urease producing microorganism, it has not been associated with the formation of a staghorn calculus in the setting of a urinary tract infection. This organism is neither commonly pursued in research or investigation nor is it commonly tested for in the clinical setting. This is especially true when combined with other disease processes, such as calculus formation. The advancement of antibiotic resistance, such as carbapenemase-producing strains, should bring more attention and routine investigation to this organism in the acute stage of infection. In this case report we introduce a 43-year-old Cuban female, who presents with a left-sided staghorn calculi and urine culture positive for carbapenemase-producing P. alcalifaciens.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis masquerading as xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis.

We report a rare case of a 56-year-old male with a history of hypertension who initially presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain and was radiologically diagnosed with left xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) in a non-functioning kidney with a staghorn calculus. Pathological evaluation of his kidney revealed squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the renal pelvis with invasion into the renal parenchyma. We highlight the presentation, diagnosis, and management of this rare condition.

Tubeless mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy to remove a staghorn stone concurrent with proximal ureteral calculus in an elderly patient: A case report.

A complex staghorn calculus that is concurrent with an impacted large proximal ureteric calculi is rarely found in elderly patients, and morbidity and mortality rates are much higher if left untreated. We report the case of an 88-year-old female with complex high-volume renal and ureteral calculus who was treated successfully using a tubeless mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy. The entire stone was retrieved, and the patient fully recovered without any complications.

Abdominal compartment syndrome after endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery.

Introduction: We report a case of abdominal compartment syndrome due to hydroperitoneum after endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery. Case presentation: A 56-year-old woman with a left staghorn calculus underwent endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery as a two-staged procedure and developed a distended abdomen, cyanosis of both legs, and hypotension immediately after the second operation. A computed tomography scan showed hydroperitoneum. We performed urgent laparotomy and evacuated approximately 2 L of nearly transparent fluid. No peritoneal injury was detected. Postoperatively, she required intensive care for shocked liver and acute kidney injury. Conclusion: Hydroperitoneum after endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery is a rare complication and may lead to abdominal compartment syndrome or a condition where intra-abdominal pressure exceeds 20 mmHg, causing impaired organ perfusion. Delayed drainage can be fatal.

Comparison of Superpulse Thulium Fiber Laser vs Holmium Laser for Ablation of Renal Calculi in an In Vivo Porcine Model.

Introduction and Objectives: We sought to compare the effectiveness and efficiency of the superpulse thulium fiber laser (sTFL to the holmium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet [Ho:YAG] laser for ureteroscopic "dusting" of implanted renal stones in an in vivo porcine model. Methods: Twenty-four porcine kidneys (12 juvenile female Yorkshire pigs) were randomized to Ho:YAG or sTFL treatment groups. Canine calcium oxalate stones were scanned with computed tomography to calculate stone volume and stone density; the stones were randomized and implanted into each renal pelvis via an open pyelotomy. In all trials, a 14F, 35 cm ureteral access sheath was placed. With a 9.9F dual lumen flexible ureteroscope, laser lithotripsy was performed using dusting settings: Ho:YAG 200 µm laser fiber at 16 W (0.4 J, 40 Hz) or sTFL 200 µm laser fiber at 16 W (0.2 J, 80 Hz). Lithotripsy continued until no fragments over 1 mm were observed. No stone basketing was performed. Throughout the procedures, intrarenal and renal pelvis temperatures were measured using two percutaneously positioned K-type thermocouples, one in the upper pole calyx and one in the renal pelvis. After the lithotripsy, the ureteropelvic junction was occluded, the kidneys were bivalved, and all residual fragments were collected, dried, weighed, and then measured with an optical laser particle sizer. Results: Implanted stones were similar in volume and density in both groups. Intraoperative collecting system temperatures were similar for both groups (all <44°C). Compared to Ho:YAG, sTFL ablated stones faster (9 vs 27 minutes, p < 0.001) with less energy expenditure (8 vs 26 kJ, p < 0.001), and a greater stone clearance rate (73% vs 45%, p = 0.001). After sTFL lithotripsy, 77% of the remaining fragments were ≤1 mm vs 17% of fragments ≤1 mm after Ho:YAG treatment (p < 0.001). Conclusions: In an in vivo porcine kidney, using dusting settings, sTFL lithotripsy resulted in shorter ablation times, higher stone clearance rates, and markedly smaller stone fragments than Ho:YAG lithotripsy.

Retrograde intrarenal surgery for a staghorn renal calculus in a patient with solitary kidney and urinary tract deformity: a case report.

Staghorn renal calculi are large, branched stones in the kidney that partially or completely fill the renal pelvis and renal calyces. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the gold standard treatment for staghorn calculi. However, we report a retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) performed to treat a staghorn calculus in a patient with a solitary kidney and a deformed urinary tract. The 37-year-old male patient presented with right-sided lumbar pain. The computed tomography (CT) scan found a solitary kidney on the right side with an opaque 4.5 cm × 2.4 cm renal stone and grade I hydronephrosis. Additionally, a urinary tract deformity was observed, and it was secondary to the deformity of the pelvis caused by a previous pubis fracture, which significantly increased the risk and the difficulty of intrarenal surgery. A total number of 3 sessions of RIRS were conducted, and the patient was discharged 3 days after each session on average. The postoperative X-ray exam of the third session revealed that the renal stone was completely removed. The patient recovered well without any complications. This case demonstrates that RIRS is a safe and effective treatment of staghorn calculi with the presence of urinary tract deformation. This suggests RIRS may be of particular interest in minimizing the procedure-related damage of a solitary kidney.

Xanthogranulomatous Pyelonephritis: A Narrative Review with Current Perspectives on Diagnostic Imaging and Management, Including Interventional Radiology Techniques.

Xanthogranulomatous Pyelonephritis (XGP) is a rare, chronic granulomatous inflammatory condition thought to arise secondary to a combination of obstruction, recurrent bacterial infection and an incomplete immune response resulting in focal or diffuse renal destruction. This destruction may be profound with the potential to infiltrate surrounding tissues and viscera. The imaging features of XGP can be ambiguous, mimicking malignancy, tuberculosis (TB) and malakoplakia earning the title of "the great imitator". Computed tomography (CT) is the mainstay of XGP diagnosis and staging, accurately quantifying the stone burden and staging the renal destruction, including the extent of extra-renal spread. Although some cases in children have been successfully treated with antibiotics alone, nephrectomy remains the most common treatment for XGP in adults. The specific management strategy needs to be tailored to individual patients given the potential constellation of renal and extrarenal abnormalities. Although XGP has classically required open nephrectomy, laparoscopic nephrectomy has an increasing role to play arising from the advancement in laparoscopic skills, technique and instruments. Nephron-sparing partial nephrectomy may be considered in the focal form. Interventional radiology techniques most often play a supportive role, eg, in the initial drainage of associated abscesses, but have rarely achieved renal salvage. This narrative review seeks to synthesise the existing literature and summarise the radiological approach and interventional radiology management situated in a clinical context.

Pneumatic Lithotripsy versus Holmium Laser Lithotripsy in Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy for Patients with Guy's Stone Score Grade IV Kidney Stone.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and reliability of holmium (Ho:YAG) laser lithotripsy (HLL) and pneumatic lithotripsy (PL) in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in the treatment of patients with Grade IV kidney stones based on Guy's Stone Score. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 103 patients with Grade IV kidney stones out of 440 patients who underwent PCNL through HLL and PL in Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, China, from January 2016 to December 2018. We analyzed preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables of the patients to evaluate the efficacy and reliability of PCNL procedures. RESULTS: Patients were categorized as Grade I, II, III, and IV, and the patients of each grade were 85 (19.32%), 39 (8.86%), 213 (48.41%), and 103 (23.41%), respectively. In Grade IV, the total operative time (min) for the PL and HLL groups was 137.7 ± 47.79 and 134.27 ± 53.38, respectively (p = 0.744). The variation in laboratory examination values including ΔHGB (g/L), ΔHCT, ΔPCT, and ΔCr (µmol/L) for PL and HLL groups was 19 ± 11.23/12 ± 15.42 (p = 0.012), 0.057 ± 0.034/0.038 ± 0.045 (0.009), 0.027 ± 0.034/0.026 ± 0.034 (0.702), and 3.07 ± 17.4/20.54 ± 65.93 (0.692), respectively. The postoperative hospitalization day was 8.94 ± 4.2 and 7.73 ± 2.75 (p = 0.015), respectively. As for the stone-free rate (SFR), the SFRs for PL and HLL were 48.15% (n = 39/81) and 59.09% (n = 13/22) (p = 0.363), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: HLL showed a comparable advantage of not only decreased postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit but also fewer postoperative hospitalization days. Based on the results of our retrospective study, for those Grade IV kidney stone patients who have a risk of bleeding before PCNL operation, HLL can be a considerable treatment option. Besides, in consideration of reducing human care cost, HLL which showed fewer hospitalization days, would be more welcome by patients.

Revisiting a Case of Parathyroid Adenoma With Bilateral Staghorn Calculus.

Parathyroid gland adenoma is responsible for approximately 80%-85% cases of primary hyperparathyroidism. Although not much is diagnostic on clinical examination, the blood investigations of the patients reveal raised serum calcium and serum parathyroid hormone levels. We present a case of chronic kidney disease with bilateral staghorn calculi and a right parathyroid adenoma localized on ultrasonography. Parathyroid adenoma was surgically excised by minimally invasive parathyroidectomy.

Renal Squamous Cell Carcinoma with Staghorn Calculus.

A 70-year-old Japanese woman was referred to our department due to general fatigue and a persistent low fever. We performed percutaneous nephrostomy and administered antibiotics for the pyelonephritis due to her left staghorn calculus. After the infection had been brought under control and her general condition improved, we performed nephrectomy. A pathologic examination revealed renal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in addition to xanthogranulomatous inflammation. Seventeen days after the operation, computed tomography demonstrated local recurrence of the tumor; therefore, she received palliative care. Two months after her operation, she died of renal SCC.

Effects of Tranexamic Acid on Bleeding and Hemoglobin Levels in Patients with Staghorn Calculi Undergoing Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of renal hemorrhage during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is high. We sought to evaluate the effects of tranexamic acid (TXA) on bleeding and hemoglobin levels of patients with staghorn calculi treated with PCNL. METHODS: In a double-blind clinical trial, 120 patients with staghorn calculi candidated for PCNL in Alzahra Hospital between January 2014 and November 2017, Isfahan, Iran, were classified into two groups in terms of the stone size (>4 cm and <4 cm). The patients in both groups were then randomly assigned to receive either 1 g of TXA intravenously or normal saline. (The generation of random numbers was done by computer.) Thus, there were four groups of 30 patients each. The transfusion rate, the mean volume of blood loss, the operative duration, and the hemoglobin level were compared between the intervention and control groups for each stone-size category. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, version 19. The paired and independent t test and the Pearson coefficient correlation were used, and a P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The mean volume of blood loss was significantly higher in the control group patients than in those receiving TXA, in both stone-size categories (P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the postoperative hemoglobin level between the intervention and control groups, in both stone-size categories (P=0.26 and P=0.10, respectively). In addition, the mean volume of blood loss increased significantly with an increase in the operative duration (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: TXA reduced the risk of bleeding during and after PCNL and attenuated the drop in the hemoglobin level in the postoperative period. Longer operative procedures were associated with an increase in the bleeding volume. Trial Registration Number: IRCT20180209038673N1.

Cystine Urolithiasis in Early Childhood.

Urolithiasis in children is rare with reported incidence of 1.8 per 1000 children. A metabolic cause is identifiable in 40-50% of children with stones and is considered when multiple, recurrent and bilateral. Cystinuria is an important preventable cause of urolithiasis. We present an infant with recurrent gross hematuria due to cystine urolithiasis for its rarity.

Extra-large renal calculi removal using single puncture percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

With the ever-increasing use of ultrasonography and X rays, renal calculi are being detected while still small thus large renal calculi are becoming less common. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a gold standard for the treatment of renal calculi >2 cm in size and being widely used worldwide. Here, we present a case of an extra-large kidney stone (10 cm × 7.5 cm and 2.7 cm × 2.3 cm) in a 45-year-old male patient which was removed through a single puncture PCNL.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy of a staghorn calculus in a patient with renal angiomyolipoma.

Renal angiomyolipoma (AML) is the most common benign renal tumor and is prevalent in around 0.2%-0.6% of the population. Its main associated risk is bleeding. It is uncommon that AML presents simultaneously with a staghorn calculus requiring percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for stone resolution with only two previously reported cases. In this case, we present a 41-year-old female patient who presented with a 2-year complaint of left flank pain and hematuria. Following investigation, the patient had a large staghorn calculus in the left kidney and an incidental finding of a large AML in the ipsilateral kidney. A single puncture was made under ultrasound guidance, to avoid any form of injury to the AML, and complete stone clearance was achieved through a single tract only. Although the concurrence of AML with a renal calculus requiring PCNL presents a clinical challenge, using ultrasound guidance for stone clearance is a safe and successful means of management with minimal exposure to radiation.