Antegrade flexible ureteroscopy-assisted percutaneous nephrolithotomy for staghorn calculi: a prospective randomized controlled study.

The aim is to compare the efficacy and safety between single percutaneous nephrolithotomy (sPNL) and antegrade flexible ureteroscopy-assisted percutaneous nephrolithotomy (aPNL) for the treatment of staghorn calculi. A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted at the Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University. A total of 160 eligible patients were included, with 81 in the sPNL group and 79 in the aPNL group. The study first compared the overall differences between sPNL and aPNL. Then, the patients were divided into two subgroups: Group 1 (with less than 5 stone branches) and Group 2 (with 5 or more stone branches), and the differences between the two subgroups were further analyzed. The results showed that aPNL had a higher stone-free rate (SFR) and required fewer percutaneous tracts, with a shorter operation time compared to sPNL (P < 0.05). Moreover, aPNL significantly reduced the need for staged surgery, particularly in patients with 5 or more stone branches. Moreover, there were no significant differences in the changes of hemoglobin levels and the need for blood transfusions between the sPNL and aPNL groups, and the incidence of multiple tracts was lower in the aPNL group. The two groups showed comparable rates of perioperative complications. We concluded that aPNL resulted in a higher SFR for staghorn calculi, and required fewer multiple percutaneous tracts, reduced the need for staged surgery, and had a shorter operative time than PNL alone, especially for patients with 5 or more stone branches. Furthermore, aPNL did not increase the incidence of surgical complications.

Medium-Term Stone Recurrence after zero-fragment transperitoneal Laparoscopic Pyelolithotomy Compared with Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy for Large Single Renal Pelvis Stones.

PURPOSE: To compare medium-term stone recurrence between laparoscopic pyelolithotomy (LP) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). MATERIAL AND METHODS: 98 patients who underwent PCNL or LP (2015-2019) for large single renal pelvis or staghorn stones (≥ 2 cm) were selected. The stone-free rate was evaluated using a computed tomography scan at one month and then, ultrasonography at six months intervals during the first year and annually thereafter for up to three years. Time-to-stone recurrence was compared using the Kaplan-Meier estimate. Hazard ratio was estimated by Cox regression. RESULTS: The one month stone-free rate was 93.88% in the LP group vs. 79% in the PCNL group (P = .03). The mean overall time-to-stone recurrence was 31 (CI:24-34) months in the LP vs. 28 (CI: 23-32) in the PCNL groups (P = .02). Cox regression analysis showed that PCNL increased the risk of stone recurrence with a hazard ratio of 2.3 (CI: 1.1 - 5.3) compared to the laparoscopy. (p = .03) In subgroup analysis, time-to-stone recurrence in those without previous history of intervention was estimated at 31 (CI: 27 to 35) months in the LP vs. 25 (CI:16 to 34) in PCNL groups (= 0.04). Subanalysis with a BMI cutoff of 25 kg/m2 showed an overall time-to-stone recurrence of 34 (CI:30 to 37) months in the LP group and 28 (CI:22 to 33) months in the PCNL group (= 0.04) in those with BMI higher than 25 kg/m2. CONCLUSION: Medium-term time to stone recurrence was in favor of LP compared with PCNL for large single renal pelvis or staghorn stones.

Needle-Perc-Assisted Endoscopic Surgery in Treatment with Renal Staghorn Stones: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study from a Large-Volume Stone Center.

INTRODUCTION: The goal of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of needle-perc-assisted endoscopic surgery (NAES) in the treatment of staghorn renal stones via a single-center prospective randomized controlled study. METHODS: A total of 219 patients with partial or complete staghorn renal stones were prospectively randomized into two groups between January 2020 and April 2022. In group A (n = 112), patients were treated with traditional standard access, multiple if necessary, and in group B (n = 107), only one standard access was made, and needle-perc was assisted to remove the residual stones in the same stage. All procedures were guided under ultrasound totally. Stone size, operating time, blood loss, pain score, complications, and other related characteristics were monitored and analyzed. RESULTS: Procedures were successful in all patients. The baseline characters were similar between the groups. The mean stone size was comparable (4.5 ± 1.4 vs. 4.7 ± 1.7, p = 0.35). The 1-month stone-free status was achieved in 85 patients (75.9%) in group A and 80 (74.8%) patients in group B (p = 0.72). The operation time was shorter in group A than B (75.1 ± 28.1 min vs. 97.2 ± 20.4 min, p = 0.02). A less blood loss (p = 0.01), shorter hospital stay (p = 0.04), lower pain score (p = 0.04), and lower severe complication rates (p = 0.03) were observed in group B. CONCLUSION: NAES reveals better postoperative recurrence compared with traditional multiple tracts method for treating staghorn renal stones. The stone-free rate was comparable between the two groups.

Impact of Vacuum-Assisted Mini-Endoscopic Combined Intrarenal Surgery for Staghorn Stones: Analysis of Perioperative Factors of Postoperative Fever and Stone-Free Status.

Background and Objective: This retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of vacuum-assisted mini-endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (vmECIRS) for staghorn stones. Patients and Methods: We analyzed a total of 61 cases treated with initial vmECIRS using 14F/16F ClearPetra® percutaneous sheaths for staghorn stones. We primarily measured complications and stone-free rates (SFRs) to evaluate the safety and efficiency of vmECIRS. In addition, pre- and intraoperative factors in patients who experienced postoperative fever >38°C and achieved an initial stone-free status were evaluated. Results: The percentages of staghorn stones were 36.1% and 63.9% for complete and partial stones, respectively. The median stone volume was 8.48 cm3. The median operation time was 117 minutes, and the mean number of procedures was 1.54. Regarding postoperative complications, postoperative fever >38°C was reported in 18 patients (29.5%). The initial and final SFRs were 50.8% and 91.8%, respectively. Among patients with emerging fever >38°C, positive urine culture was the only significant risk factor in the multivariate analysis (odds ratio [OR], 7.500; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.772-31.751; p = 0.006). Moreover, for achieving initial stone-free status, body mass index and stone volume were significant risk factors in the multivariate analysis (OR, 0.872; 95% CI, 0.776-0.980; p = 0.021; and OR, 0.882; 95% CI, 0.784-0.994; p = 0.039, respectively). Conclusions: These findings suggest that vmECIRS is safe and effective for treatment of staghorn stones. Although current guidelines suggest that percutaneous nephrolithotomy is the gold standard surgical technique for staghorn stones, vmECIRS could also be a treatment strategy. The Clinical Trial Registration number (ID: 2022-05-17-1).

Predicting the outcome of mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy using STONE nephrolithometry score-a single-center experience.

To predict stone-free and complication rates following mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (m-PCNL) using STONE nephrolithometry score, this prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Surgery, Urology Unit, Patan Hospital. All the patients undergoing m-PCNL were included. The cases were performed in the prone position, a single tract less than 18 French was made, and pneumatic lithotripsy was done. Stone-free rates were assessed with plain X-ray kidney, ureter, and bladder (X-ray KUB) on the first post-operative day or at 15 days follow-up. Complications within 30 days were graded using modified Clavien grading. A total of 106 patients were included in the final analysis. The overall stone-free rate was 83%. Among the individual variables, only staghorn calculus was associated with residual stone (p = 0.007). Patients who were rendered stone-free had statistically significantly lower STONE scores than those with residual stone (p < 0.001). The complication rate was 23%, and the majority were Clavien grade I complications. A higher STONE score had a greater risk of having complications but was not statistically significant (p = 0.11). STONE nephrolithometry score can predict stone complexity pre-operatively and subsequent stone-free status and thus, helps in pre-operative surgical planning and counseling for possible outcomes following m-PCNL.

Efficacy and safety of percutaneous nephrolithotripsy in elderly patients: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PCNL) is difficult to perform for elderly patients; thus, this study aimed to assess its efficacy and safety in elderly patients aged > 70 years, note any associations between outcomes and patient characteristics, and summarize relevant themes and observations. METHODS: Data from patients older than 70 years who had undergone PCNL for upper urinary tract calculi between January 2016 and January 2021 was retrospectively analyzed. Risk factors for postoperative complications and residual stones were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 116 elderly patients underwent 122 PCNL operations, of which six underwent secondary PCNL operations, and all of which were successfully completed. The average age was 74.6 ± 4.3 years; the average stone size and operation time were 3.5 ± 1.8 (1.2-11 cm), and 71.8 ± 34.1 min, respectively. Of the participants, 16 or 13.8% had postoperative complications and 29 (25%) had residual stones after operation. The stone free rate was 75%. Multivariate analysis revealed that an American Score of Anesthesiology III was an independent risk factor for postoperative complications (odds ratio [OR] = 4.453, p = 0.031), and staghorn calculi were independent risk factors for postoperative residual calculi (OR = 31.393, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: PCNL was shown to be safe and effective for elderly patients aged > 70 years. Further, ASA III was an independent risk factor for postoperative complications, and staghorn calculi were independent risk factors for postoperative residual calculi in elderly patients.

Endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery in the prone split-leg position versus Galdakao-modified supine Valdivia position for the management of partial staghorn calculi.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the outcome of ECIRS in the treatment of partial staghorn renal calculi in both prone split-leg positions versus GMSV positions with regard to; technical aspects, success rate, operative time, complications, safety, and effectiveness of both approaches. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between October 2018 and August 2021, 66 patients with partial staghorn calculi were enrolled in this prospective comparative study. Patients were randomly divided according to a 1:1 ratio into two groups. Group A included 33 patients who were treated by (ECIRS) in the prone split-leg position, and group B included 33 patients who were treated by (ECIRS) in the Galdakao-modified supine Valdivia (GMSV) position. RESULTS: No significant statistical difference between both groups regarding the mean age (p = 0.448), mean body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.137), mean stone burden (p = 0.435), mean operative time (p = 0.541) and the number of calyces located in branched stones (p = 0.628). The mean hospital stay was 6.71 ± 1.12 days for group A and 6.66 ± 1.10 days for group B patients (p = 0.724). The final SFR was achieved in (29)87.87% and (30)90.9% of group A & B patients, respectively (p = 0.694). No significant difference was detected between both groups in perioperative complication rates. CONCLUSION: ECIRS is safe and effective in treating partial staghorn calculi either in the prone split-leg position or in the Galdakao-modified supine Valdivia position, with comparable outcomes and no statistically significant difference between both positions.

Comparison of mini endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery and multitract minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy specifically for kidney staghorn stones: a single-centre experience.

BACKGROUND: Staghorn stones require surgical treatment to prevent serious complications. Multitract percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) causes great renal parenchymal injury and blood loss. One-stage endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS) entails the combined use of antegrade nephroscope and retrograde flexible ureteroscope to clear the staghorn stone, which may overcome the limitations of multitract PNL. We aimed to compare the perioperative outcomes of mini ECIRS and multitract minimally invasive PNL in staghorn stone management. METHODS: This was a retrospective single-center study of patients with staghorn stones who underwent ECIRS (n = 17) or multitract minimally invasive PNL (n = 17) between January 2018 and September 2021. RESULTS: There was a significant between-group difference with respect to Guy's stone score. Stone size, stone burden (ECIRS group, 21.41 cm3; multitract minimally invasive PNL group, 20.88 cm3 [P = 0.94]), and degree of hydronephrosis were comparable in the two groups. There was no significant between-group difference with respect to one-step or final stone-free rates. The mean operative time was also not significantly different between the groups (ECIRS group, 140 min; multitract minimally invasive PNL group, 183 min [P = 0.63]). ECIRS was associated with significantly lesser postoperative pain (visual analog scale; ECIRS group: 0; multitract minimally invasive PNL group: 2.7 [P < 0.001]). Hemoglobin loss, postoperative blood transfusion rate, complications, and length of hospital stay were comparable in the two groups. CONCLUSION: Both mini ECIRS and multitract minimally invasive PNL were effective and safe for the management of renal staghorn stones with comparable operation time and stone-free rate, and complications. ECIRS was associated with less severe postoperative pain.

One-stage efficacy of single tract minimally invasive ECIRS in the improved prone frog split-leg position for staghorn stones.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of single tract minimally invasive endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (stmECIRS) in the improved prone frog split-leg position for staghorn stones. METHOD: A total of 83 patients with staghorn stones were retrospectively reviewed between January 2018 and June 2021. According to surgical procedure and position, patients were divided into a group of single tract minimally invasive percutaneous nephroscopy (stmPNL) in the prone position and a group of stmECIRS in the improved prone frog split-leg position (turned to the prone position after preset the flexible ureteroscope sheath in lithotomy position, meanwhile, bend both hips and knees to be frog abduction). Demographic characteristics, laboratory tests, stone characters, surgical information, stone-free rate (SFR), and perioperative complications were observed and analyzed. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics, changes level of Scr and Hb, stone size, radiation density, length of hospital stay, and operation time between the two groups. One-stage SFR in the stmECIRS group was significantly higher than that in the stmPNL group (84.4% vs. 57.9%) (P = 0.007), only 2 patients required blood transfusion after surgery (P = 0.862), and other postoperative complications were not statistically significant (P = 0.345). CONCLUSIONS: StmECIRS in improved prone frog split-leg position has a higher one-stage SFR than stmPNL for staghorn renal stones, and without complications increased, which is a safe, efficient and feasible treatment.

Staghorn stone in megapolycalicosis in a child: Still the case for open surgery? Case report.

We here report a rare case of congenital megapolycalicosis in a 14-year-old girl complicated by a 24-mm staghorn stone and numerous calculi at the level of all caliceal groups that had become symptomatic in recent weeks with malaise, hematuria, and urinary tract infection. Among the various therapeutic options, we opted for open surgery. The staghorn stone was removed by pyelotomy, and washout of the caliceal cavities released numerous microcalculi of 1.5-9 mm in size that were then removed. To our knowledge, this is the first case of pediatric megacapolycalicosis complicated by staghorn stone, which presents complex problems for the diagnosis and therapy.

PCNL Combined with 3D Printing Technology for the Treatment of Complex Staghorn Kidney Stones.

Objective: To explore the clinical application value of percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PCNL) combined with 3D printing technology in the treatment of complex staghorn kidney stones. Methods: From January 2018 to February 2020, a total of 72 patients with complex staghorn kidney stones admitted to our center were divided into experimental group (3D printing group) and control group (computed tomography, CT, imaging group)) according to the random block method, and a prospective cohort study was conducted. Preoperative computed tomography urography (CTU) examination was performed on all patients in the two groups, and the original CT scan Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) data of patients in the experimental group were separately extracted for three-dimensional reconstruction and 3D model printing and designed a doctor-patient communication evaluation score table. The two groups were compared in score table, puncture location time, total operation time, consistency between estimated calyx and target calyx, incidence of surgical complications, stone free rate, postoperative recovery, and other aspects. Results: Both groups completed preoperative CTU examination and showed good kidney and stone morphology. In the experimental group, all 3D printed models were completed and the internal anatomical structure could be clearly displayed. Simulation puncture and relevant measurement parameters could be obtained. The experimental group was significantly better than the control group in doctor-patient communication evaluation score, puncture location time, target calyx consistency, and stone free rate (p < 0.05), and there was no statistical difference in total operation time, postoperative complications, and postoperative recovery. Conclusions: Individualized 3D printing technology can fully evaluate and design percutaneous renal access and stone clearing strategies before surgery. Compared with traditional preoperative imaging evaluation, 3D printing makes PCNL more accurate and efficient in the treatment of complex staghorn shaped kidney stones, with a high stone free rate at the first stage and better doctor-patient communication satisfaction.

Comparison of Perioperative Outcomes and Clinical Characteristics of Calcium, Matrix and Struvite Stones From a Single Institution.

OBJECTIVE: To define risk factors and perioperative outcomes for matrix stones and compare these outcomes with struvite and calcium stone cohorts. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study comparing matrix stones (n=32), struvite stones (n=23) and a matched, calcium stone control group (n=32) was performed. Two-way ANOVA was used to compare the groups for continuous variables. Chi-square tests were used to compare categorical variables. Significance was set at P <.05. All statistical tests were performed using R (v1.73). RESULTS: We identified no differences in age, gender, or BMI between the three groups. Matrix and struvite stones were more likely to have a history of prior stone surgery and recurrent UTIs compared to calcium stones (P=.027 and P <.001, respectively). Struvite stones were more likely to present as staghorn calculi compared to matrix or calcium stones (56.5% vs 21.7% vs 18.8%, P=.006). There were no significant differences in postoperative stone free rates (P=.378). No significant differences in postoperative infectious complications were identified. Matrix stones were more likely to have Candida on stone culture compared to the struvite or calcium stones (P <.0001). CONCLUSION: Matrix and struvite stones were more likely have a history of stone surgery and preoperative recurrent UTIs. Struvite stones were more likely to present as staghorn calculi. Matrix stones were more likely to have Candida present in stone cultures. However, no difference in postoperative infectious outcomes or stone free rates were identified. Further study with larger cohorts is necessary to distinguish matrix stone postoperative outcomes from struvite and calcium stones.

Combination laparoscopy and nephrolithotomy technique in the same session in patients with complete staghorn stones and poor performance status: case series in a single center with long-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The management of complete staghorn stones remains a challenge for urologists, owing to the high stone burden, low stone free rate, and high rate of complications. Hence, we aimed to evaluate the outcomes of a technique involving combination laparoscopy and nephrolithotomy in the same session in patient with complete staghorn stones and poor performance status. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated seven patients with complete staghorn stones who underwent a combination of laparoscopy and nephrolithotomy in the same session in our center between December 2016 and October 2019. The surgical technique was as follows. Through a four-port transperitoneal laparoscopic approach, the kidney was mobilized after complete dissection of the renal pedicle. The renal pelvis was then incised with a cold scalpel. A nephroscope was inserted into the renal collecting system through both a laparoscopic port and the renal pelvis incision. This method enabled visualization of and access to almost all calyces for clearing the stones from the affected kidneys in a hand-assisted manner which a hand was inserted in the peritoneal cavity. The outcome data included the stone-free rate, short-term and long-term complication rates, and stone recurrence rate. RESULTS: The stone free rate was 85.70% (6/7). No patients had sepsis or required blood transfusion perioperatively, and no major short-term complications occurred. After 24.00 (15.00, 48.00) months' follow-up, no patients had long-term complications, and only one patient had stone recurrence. CONCLUSION: The technique of combining laparoscopy and nephrolithotomy in the same session was an effective and safe treatment for patients with complete staghorn stones and poor performance status. The method was scarcely affected by the stone burden and morphology, had a satisfactory stone free rate, and resulted in no major complications, particularly life-threatening sepsis. It might be an option for such patients.

Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Pyelolithotomy versus Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy for Treating the Patients with Staghorn Kidney Stones: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the performance and outcomes of laparoscopic pyelolithotomy (LPL) versus percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in the management of staghorn kidney stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a parallel-group randomized clinical trial study carried out on 68 patients with staghorn stones (one single piece or maximally two-piece stones with large extra renal part) over 18 years referred to Labbafinejhad Hospital. Patients were randomly divided on a ratio of 1:1 into two groups of LPL and PCNL using random allocation software. The primary outcome was the stone free rate, which was evaluated with KUB, and ultrasonography. Secondary outcomes were duration of surgery, bleeding, fever, post-operative pain, length of hospital stay, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: The mean±SD age of patients in PCNL and LPL groups were 48.50 ± 13.33 years and 52.17 ± 15.74 years, respectively (P=.303). LPL was associated with a higher duration of surgery (196.55 ± 26.58 minutes versus 110.88 ± 34.82; P=.001). Hemoglobin drop in the PCNL group was higher than the LPL group (2.67 ± 2.61 g/dL versus -0.7912 ± 1.06 g/dL; P=.001). Stone free status was observed in 29 (85.3%) patients in the LPL group, which was significantly higher than the PCNL group (22 patients, 64.7%; P =.050). CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that LPL offers a higher stone free rate with less bleeding in patients with single particle or limited particles staghorn stones with extrarenal pelvis but is associated with a higher duration of operation. The application of LPL in patients with multiple stones carries a lower achievement and is not encouraged.

[Unilateral combined lap partial nephrectomy and pyelolithotomy for ipsilateral tumor & kidney staghorn stone]

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of conventional laparoscopic partial nephrectomy combined with pyelolithotomy for patients with ipsilateral renal tumor and staghorn kidney stone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective multicentral comparative study. Group "Combo" was presented by patients with the mentioned combined pathology (n=15). Group "Standart" (n=69) formed from common patients who underwent standard lap partial nephrectomy for renal tumor in the absence of kidney stones. Perioperative factors and results were studied and compared. Video presentation of combined surgical technique is available at: https://youtu.be/fAfYJDvGzsU. RESULTS: Of all patients, no positive margins, no conversions to open surgery or nephrectomy & any complications Clavien >III were detected. There were no any significant differences between the two groups except for OR time (150 [120; 210] vs 130 [100; 180] min; p=0,001). Differences between indexes of WIT (16,27+/-3,8 vs 15,9+/-4,5 min; p=0,107), EBL (200 [150; 300] vs 200 [150; 300] cc; p=0,981), length of stay (7 [6;9] vs 8[6;9] days; p=0,611), intraop complications (0,00 vs 4,3%; p=0,411) and values of postop Clavien III rate (0,00 vs 4,3%; p=0,411) for "Combo" & "Standart" respectively were comparable as well as oncological outcomes. Stone-free rate for combined procedures reached 93,3%. CONCLUSION: conventional laparoscopic partial nephrectomy combined with pyelolithotomy for patients with ipsilateral renal tumor and staghorn kidney stone is safe and efficient alternative to 2-step treatment of this rare disease.

[Unilateral combination of staghorn stone with kidney tumor].

This manuscript provides an overview of the available literature about unilateral combination of nephrolithiasis and renal tumor. Analysis of publications has shown that ipsilateral staghorn calculus and kidney tumors are an extremely rare combination. The majority of these infrequent papers describe case reports where the method of treating such patients is limited by the capabilities and competence of the surgeon or clinic. Despite some messages of favorable outcomes of combined interventions, the effectiveness of simultaneous laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and pyelolithotomy has not been studied, and the technique of this procedure, tactics and criteria for choosing this method are not defined.

Management of Left Staghorn Calculus With Colorenal Fistula.

Fistula formation between the kidney and the colon is a rare occurrence. Colorenal fistulas have been reported after renal cryoablation, calculous pyonephrosis, and renal cell carcinoma. Fistula formation is reported in as many as 35% of patients with Crohn's disease. Crohn's-related urinary fistulas may include enterovesical, enteroureteral, rectourethral, urethrocutaneous, and entero-urachal fistulas. Here, we report a rare case of a patient who was found to have a left colorenal fistula in the setting of a left staghorn calculus and recurrent urinary tract infections with a question about the eventual definitive management of the patient.

Evaluating outcomes of complete supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy for staghorn vs multiple non-staghorn renal stones: a 10-year study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of complete supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy (csPCNL) for staghorn stones and multiple large non-staghorn stones. METHODS: The records of 886 patients who underwent csPCNL from September 2009 to October 2019 were considered. Out of them, 201 cases met the eligibility criteria and they were divided into three groups: 63 cases of staghorn, 68 cases of multiple medium (20 mm < diameter ≤ 30 mm) non-staghorn and 70 cases of multiple large non-staghorn (> 30 mm) stones. Almost all outcomes and stone-related factors were analyzed. RESULTS: There was not any significant difference regarding age, body mass index, history of urinary tract infection, transfusion rate, complication rate, pre and post-surgery serum creatinine, hemoglobin drop and total hospital stay between the three groups. Stone free rate was 98.5% in multiple medium group, 97.1% in multiple large group and 84.1% in staghorn group (P = 0.001). The operation duration was significantly shorter for the multiple medium group (P < 0.001) but it was not significantly different between the multiple large non-staghorn and staghorn group. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrated that almost all outcomes were not significantly different between the three groups (especially between staghorn and larger non-staghorn ones). These findings reveal that surgeons could choose csPCNL for treatment of staghorn stones and multiple large non-staghorn stones and consider staghorn stones as challenging as multiple large (especially diameter > 30 mm) non-staghorn stones.

The feasibility of multiple-tract mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy as an overnight surgery for the treatment of complex kidney stones.

To demonstrate the feasibility of applying multiple-tract percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) as an overnight surgery for treatment of complex kidney stones. We reviewed a prospectively collected database of all multiple-tract PCNL planned as overnight surgery performed by a single surgeon since 2018. A clinical pathway including the removal of nephrostomy tube and discharge on the morning after surgery was carried out. A definition for tube removal was outlined. Ability to adhere to the pathway and achieving the described parameters and whether any resulting complications occurred were determined. A total of 136 consecutive patients were enrolled with mean stone burden of 960.5 mm2 and 5.1 cm. Mean operative time was 71.7 ± 30.7 min. The average hemoglobin drop was 17.6 ± 12.2 g/L, and the incidence of drop > 25 g/L was 21.9%. Overall, 125 patients (91.9%) but 11 patients were discharge on postoperative day 1. One case required readmission. Among the 11 patients, 7 patients (5.1%) underwent a delayed tube removal (≥ 2 days) and 4 patients underwent complications after next-day nephrostomy tube removal, including renal colic (2 cases), hydrothorax (1 case), and fever (1 case). Postoperative fever or severe hematuria was the major reason for delayed nephrostomy tube removal. The total complication rate was 8.8% (n = 12). Multiple-tract PCNL as an overnight surgery can be safely performed by experienced surgeons in most patients. An early nephrostomy tube removal could be achieved in nearly 95% patients.

A comparative study of endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS) in the galdakao-modified supine valdivia (GMSV) position and minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy for complex nephrolithiasis: a retrospective single-center study.

The aim of this research is to compare the efficiency and safety between endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS) in the Galdakao-modified Supine Valdivia (GMSV) position and minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (Mini-PCNL) in a single session for the treatment of complex nephrolithiasis. 140 consecutive patients who were diagnosed with multiple pyelocaliceal stones or staghorn renal calculi were enrolled and reviewed retrospectively. Demographic, clinical information and surgical outcomes were collected and analyzed. Demographic variables and stone characteristics did not show statistically differences. Over 80% of the patients were diagnosed with multiple pyelocaliceal stones, while the remainders were branched renal calculi. Over half of the patients were classified into medium and high Seoul National University Renal Stone Complexity scoring system (S-ReSC) score groups. The stone free rate (SFR) in the single session was significantly higher in the ECIRS group than in the Mini-PCNL group (88.06% vs. 66.67%, P = 0.003). The subgroup analysis revealed that ECIRS was more efficacious than Mini-PCNL for complex renal calculi with medium and high S-ReSC scores (P = 0.002). A nonsignificant but relatively lower postoperative complication rate was noted in the ECIRS group (7.5 vs. 16.0%, P = 0.12). With the exception of postoperative hospitalization days (P < 0.001), significant difference was not detected between the two groups for other procedure-related information. ECIRS in the GMSV position is an effective and safe treatment especially for medium and severe complex nephrolithiasis, with significant higher SFR in the single session and relatively low procedure-associated morbidity compared to Mini-PCNL.