Characteristics of Bacteria in Urine and Stones from Patients Treated with Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy and Association with Postoperative Infection.

Background: The purpose of this study was to identify bacterial differences between urine cultures (UC) and stone cultures (SC) in patients with complex kidney stones and to determine any correlation with post-percutaneous nephrolithotomy Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS). Methods: Perioperative data of 1055 patients with complex kidney stones treated with first-stage Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) from September 2016 until September 2021 were included. Preoperative mid-stream urine samples and surgically obtained stone material were subjected to bacterial culture and antibiotic sensitivity tests. Preoperatively, antibiotic usage was determined by the UC or local bacterial resistance patterns. After PCNL treatment, antibiotic selection was guided by stone bacterial culture result and clinical symptoms. The effect of different preoperative antibiotic regimens based on urine cultures and postoperative antibiotic treatment based on stone cultures were assessed. Results: Positive stone cultures (SC+) were significantly more common than positive urine cultures (UC+) (31.9% vs 20.9%, p < 0.05). Escherichia coli (E. coli) was the most common uropathogen in both urine (54.3%) and stones (43.9%). The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Moreover, UC+SC-, UC-SC+, UC+SC+, and preoperative serum creatinine were independent risk factors of postoperative SIRS. The incidence of SIRS in the UC+SC+ patients with different bacteria in stones and urine (51.6%) was higher than that in other culture groups. The antibiotic resistance of E. coli inside the stone was increased when prolonged preoperative antibiotics were administered to UC+ patients. Conclusion: The bacterial spectrum and positive outcome of culture in urine and stones were significantly different. The incidence of postoperative SIRS was highest in patients with UC+SC+ but with different bacteria strains. Prolonged pre-surgical antibiotic treatment apparently induced higher drug resistance for bacteria inside the stone.

The Significance of Stone Culture in the Incidence of Sepsis: Results from a Prospective, Multicenter Study on Infections Post Flexible UreteroreNescopy (I-FUN) and Laser Lithotripsy for Renal Stones.

Objective: Sepsis is the most serious complication of flexible ureteroscopy (F-URS) and laser lithotripsy. We assessed the influence of positive stone culture (SC) on major infectious complications (sepsis, septic shock). Methods: This prospective study enrolled adult patients deemed suitable for F-URS and laser lithotripsy from nine centers (January 2022-August 2023). Inclusion criteria were as follows: kidney stone(s), preoperative midstream urine culture (MSUC), stone(s) assessed at computed tomography scan, and SC. Exclusion criteria were as follows: bilateral procedures, ureteral stones, and children. Group 1 included patients with sterile SC. Group 2 included patients with positive SC. Data are presented as median (interquartile range). A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate factors associated with having a positive SC. Results: In total, 293 patients were included. Median age was 51.0 (24) years. There were 167 (57.0%) males. Group 2 included 32 (2.5%) patients. Group 2 patients were significantly older [75.0 (14) vs 51.0 (23) years, p = 0.02]. Stone features were similar. Major infectious complications were higher in Group 2 (15.6% vs 0.4%). One patient died because of sepsis in Group 2. Two out of 6 (33.3%) patients with major infectious complications had the same pathogen in MSUC and SC. In the multivariable regression analysis, diabetes (OR 3.23), symptomatic urinary infections within 3 months before operation (OR 4.82) and preoperative stent/nephrostomy (OR 2.92) were factors significantly associated with higher odds of positive SC. Conclusions: Patients with positive SC have a higher incidence of major infectious complications after F-URS lithotripsy. SC should be performed whenever feasible because there is a poor correlation between MSUC and SC.

Association between urinary lithiasis, other than struvite by crystallography and non-ureolytic bacteria.

The relationship between urinary tract infection caused by urease-producing bacteria and lithiasis due to struvite stones is well established in the literature. However, there is limited knowledge on whether non-urease producing bacteria can also promote crystallization. In our study, we analyzed the association between urinary lithiasis, other than struvite by crystallography and non-ureolytic bacteria, in 153 patients who underwent surgery for urinary stone. The collected samples were sent for crystallographic analysis and culture. Additionally, preoperatory urine culture was collected for combined evaluation with the previous data. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy was the most commonly performed approach (45.8%). Struvite stones were more frequently identified in women (90.3%). Among stones with positive cultures, except struvite, 45.5% were composed of calcium oxalate monohydrate. The difference between urine culture and stone culture was different in 24.8% of the cases. Among stones with positive cultures that did not contain struvite, 86.4% showed non-urease bacteria in their cultures and 47.1% of struvite stones also did not have urease-producing bacteria in their cultures (p < 0.021). Our findings suggest that there is an association between non-ureolytic bacteria and stones that are not composed of struvite.

Metabolic stone workup abnormalities are not as important as stone culture in patients with recurrent stones undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

To investigate the association between metabolic urinary abnormalities and urinary tract infection (UTI) and the stone recurrence status in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). A prospective evaluation was performed for patients who underwent PCNL between November 2019 and November 2021 and met the inclusion criteria. Patients with previous stone interventions were classified as recurrent stone formers. Before PCNL, a 24 h metabolic stone workup and midstream urine culture (MSU-C) were done. Renal pelvis (RP-C) and stones (S-C) cultures were collected during the procedure. The association between the metabolic workup and UTI results with stone recurrence was evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses. The study included 210 patients. UTI factors that showed significant association with stone recurrence included positive S-C [51 (60.7%) vs 23 (18.2%), p < 0.001], positive MSU-C [37 (44.1%) vs 30 (23.8%), p = 0.002], and positive RP-C [17 (20.2%) vs 12 (9.5%), p = 0.03]. Other factors were mean ± SD GFR (ml/min) (65 ± 13.1 vs 59.5 ± 13.1, p = 0.003), calcium-containing stones [47 (55.9%) vs 48 (38.1%), p = 0.01], median (IQR) urinary citrate levels (mg/day) [333 (123-512.5) vs 221.5 (120.3-412), p = 0.04], and mean ± SD urinary pH (6.1 ± 1 vs 5.6 ± 0.7, p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, only positive S-C was the significant predictor of stone recurrence (odds ratio: 9.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] (3.8-28.6), p < 0.001). Positive S-C, and not metabolic abnormalities, was the only independent factor associated with stone recurrence. A focus on preventing UTI might prevent further stone recurrence.

Heterogeneity in stone culture protocols and endourologist practice patterns: a multi-institutional survey.

Kidney stone cultures can be beneficial in identifying bacteria not detected in urine, yet how stone cultures are performed among endourologists, under what conditions, and by what laboratory methods remain largely unknown. Stone cultures are not addressed by current clinical guidelines. A comprehensive REDCap electronic survey sought responses from directed (n = 20) and listserv elicited (n = 108) endourologists specializing in kidney stone disease. Questions included which clinical scenarios prompt a stone culture order, how results influence post-operative antibiotics, and what microbiology lab protocols exist at each institution with respect to processing and resulting stone cultures. Logistic regression statistical analysis determined what factors were associated with performing stone cultures. Of 128 unique responses, 11% identified as female and the mean years of practicing was 16 (range 1-46). A specific 'stone culture' order was available to only 50% (64/128) of those surveyed, while 32% (41/128) reported culturing stone by placing a urine culture order. The duration of antibiotics given for a positive stone culture varied, with 4-7 days (46%) and 8-14 days (21%) the most reported. More years in practice was associated with fewer stone cultures ordered, while higher annual volume of percutaneous nephrolithotomy was associated with ordering more stone cultures (p < 0.01). Endourologists have differing practice patterns with respect to ordering stone cultures and utilizing the results to guide post-operative antibiotics. With inconsistent microbiology lab stone culture protocols across multiple institutions, more uniform processing is needed for future studies to assess the clinical benefit of stone cultures and direct future guidelines.

Assessing the Optimal Urine Culture for Predicting Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome After Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy and Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery: Results from a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is a dangerous complication after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). We aimed to review the diagnostic accuracy of midstream urine culture (MSUC), pelvic urine culture (PUC), and stone culture (SC) derived from the same cases to predict SIRS after PCNL and/or RIRS. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed, using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Controlled Register of Trials. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for MSUC, PUC, and SC. The diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) was estimated for each study with a random effect and hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) model leading to a corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Overall test accuracy was measured by finding the area under the curve (AUC). An AUC value >0.70 stands for adequate overall accuracy. Results: The search retrieved 537 articles. After screening, 21 studies involving 5238 patients were included for the meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity for MSUC was 0.322 (95% CI 0.2228-0.432), and pooled specificity 0.854 (95% CI 0.810-0.889). The DOR was low at 2.780 (95% CI 1.769-4.368), showing poor overall diagnostic accuracy. The pooled sensitivity for PUC was 0.323 (95% CI 0.224-0.440) and specificity 0.931 (95% CI 0.896-0.954). The DOR was 6.377 (95% CI 4.065-10.004), showing a mild overall diagnostic accuracy. The pooled sensitivity for SC was 0.552 (95% CI 0.441-0.658) and specificity 0.847 (95% CI 0.798-0.886). The DOR was 6.820 (95% CI 4.435-10.488), showing mild overall diagnostic accuracy. The AUC for HSROC for MSUC was 0.65, 0.73, and 0.75 for PUC and SC, respectively. Conclusion: MSUC is a poor predictor for postoperative SIRS. PUC or SC should be collected during lithotripsy to better predict the possibility of developing postoperative SIRS after PCNL and RIRS.

Preoperative Midstream Urine Cultures vs Renal Pelvic Urine Culture or Stone Culture in Predicting Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome and Urosepsis After Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Purpose: To compare preoperative midstream urine cultures (PMUC) and renal pelvic urine culture (RPUC) or stone culture (SC) in predicting systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and urosepsis after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Methods: We searched the PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases up to September 1, 2020, for relevant published studies. Two authors independently confirmed whether the literatures met the inclusion criteria and collected the data from the selected literatures. A meta-analysis was performed with Review Manager Software 5.4.1. A total of 14 studies with 3540 patients were selected and analyzed in the meta-analysis. Results: Pooled data showed that SC was associated with a higher sensitivity (odds ratios [OR] 2.36, confidence interval [95% CI] 1.31-4.25; p < 0.00001), positive predictive value (PPV) (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.18-2.01; p = 0.16) and negative predictive values (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.01-1.37; p = 0.06) in the diagnosis of SIRS and urosepsis after PCNL, and RPUC provided a significantly higher specificity (OR 2.70, 95% CI 2.16-3.38; p = 0.07) and PPV (OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.49-3.15; p = 0.48) than PMUC in the diagnosis of SIRS and urosepsis after PCNL. Conclusion: Intraoperative SC and RPUC are more reliable than PMUC in predicting postoperative SIRS and urosepsis, identifying causative organisms, and directing antibiotic therapy for patients who underwent PCNL. PMUC, SC, and RPUC should be routinely collected for the diagnosis and management of SIRS and urosepsis after PCNL.

Patients' poor performance status is an independent risk factor for urosepsis induced by kidney and ureteral stones.

This study was aimed to identify the risk factors for urosepsis caused by kidney and ureteral stones. One hundred and nine patients who had kidney or ureteral stones and who were treated with trans-ureteral lithotripsy (TUL) at our institution from 2016 to 2020 were included. We investigated the risk factors for urosepsis caused by kidney or ureteral stones that occurred prior to TUL. Thirty patients (28%) had urosepsis prior to TUL. Patients were divided into a urosepsis group (n = 30, 28%) and a non-urosepsis group (n = 79, 72%). Patients' characteristics (gender, age, performance status [PS] score, presence of diabetes mellitus, and skeletal muscle mass), as well as their stone and urine characteristics (stone size, presence of obstructive ureteral stones, stone composition, and urine and stone cultures), were compared between the two groups. When compared to the non-urosepsis group, patients with urosepsis were more likely to be older (p < 0.001), female (p < 0.001), with lower skeletal muscle mass (p < 0.001) and with poor PSs (p < 0.001). For stone and urine characteristics, infection stones (p = 0.01), positive urine (p < 0.001) and stone culture (p = 0.007) were more often detected in patients with urosepsis. A multivariate analysis showed patients' poor PS to be an independent risk factor for urosepsis due to kidney and ureteral stones (OR = 15.7; 95% CI = 2.2-115, p = 0.007). Our study revealed that the most significant risk factor for urosepsis caused by kidney and ureteral stones was the patients' poor PS.

Renal pelvis urine Gram stain as a traditional, but new marker in predicting postoperative fever and stone culture positivity in percutaneous nephrolithotomy: an observational, prospective, non-randomized cohort study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of renal pelvis urine Gram staining (RPUGS) in predicting postoperative fever and renal stone culture (RSC) positivity in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). METHODS: Totally 141 consecutive patients undergoing PCNL for renal stone were included between January 2018 and December 2019. The RPUGS and renal pelvis urine culture (RPUC) were performed using urine sample from renal collecting system, while RSC was performed using stone fragments. Patients were divided into two groups as Group 1 (n = 119) without postoperative fever (< 38 °C) and Group 2 (n = 22) with postoperative fever (≥ 38 °C). Stone culture and Gram staining models were created for predicting postoperative fever using constant covariates of the presence of residual stone, hydronephrosis, and stone burden. RESULTS: A significantly higher number of patients in Group 2 had RPUGS, RSC, and RPUC positivity (p < 0.001, for each). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of RPUGS in predicting postoperative fever were 72.7%, 89.9%, 57.1%, and 94.7%, respectively. It was observed that both models had similar predictive values and diagnostic performances. Although RSC and RPUGS had a similar diagnostic value in predicting postoperative fever in univariable analysis, both were found to be independent predictors in multivariable analysis (OR: 10.6, 95% CI 4.07-27.9, p < 0.001 and OR: 15.0, 95% CI 5.4-41.2, p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, RPUGS is as effective as RSC in predicting fever after PCNL. We recommend RPUGS during PCNL to manage post-PCNL infectious complications.

Optimal perioperative antibiotic strategy for kidney stone patients treated with percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relevance of urine test (UT), urine culture (UC) and stone culture (SC) for postoperative infections and to investigate the optimal perioperative antibiotic treatment strategy in association with percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in patients with renal calculi. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between September 2016 and September 2018 1,060 patients treated with PCNL were included in the study. The results of UT, UC and SC were reviewed. The details of perioperatively administered antibiotics and postoperative infections were recorded. RESULTS: A positive UT was associated with an increased incidence of infection; this was also the case in patients with negative UC (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in incidence of infection between patients who were given a single dose of antibiotics compared with those given multiple doses when UC was negative, whether UT was positive or negative (all p > 0.05). The incidence of infection was decreased when pre-operative antibiotics were administered according to the sensitivity pattern based on UC (p < 0.05). This outcome was particularly evident when the treatment duration exceeded 7 days (p < 0.05). A positive SC was associated with increased incidence of infection, even if the patient had a negative UC and UT (p < 0.05). The incidence of infection was significantly decreased when antibiotic treatment was administered based on the results of SC (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Pre-operative prophylaxis with a single-dose antibiotic was sufficient in patients with negative UC, whether UT was positive or negative. Pre-operative treatment with antibiotics according to the bacterial sensitivity pattern should be administered for ≥7 days in patients with positive UC. The postoperative antibiotic treatment strategy should be tailored according to the SC results.

The significance of intraoperative renal pelvic urine and stone cultures for patients at a high risk of post-ureteroscopy systemic inflammatory response syndrome.

We examined the renal pelvic urine culture (RPUC) and stone culture (SC) during ureteroscopy and evaluated their associations with postoperative systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). We prospectively collected data of 224 patients who underwent ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy from March 2015 to December 2017. We examined the bladder urine culture pre-operatively. If the patients had positive culture results, we treated them with antibiotics for 5-7 days before surgery based on the sensitivity profile. We collected RPUC and SC samples during surgery. After ureteroscopy, patients were closely monitored for any signs of SIRS. Using a logistic regression model, we analyzed how the clinical factors affected the incidence of SIRS. Pre-operative bladder urine culture (PBUC) was positive in 111 patients (49.6%). Intraoperative RPUC was positive in 43 patients (19.2%), and SC was positive in 34 patients (15.2%). Postoperatively, 23 patients (10.3%) were diagnosed with SIRS. A multivariate analysis revealed that female gender, struvite calculi and positive intraoperative RPUC results were significantly associated with postoperative SIRS. Among the 31 patients who were positive for both PBUC and intraoperative RPUC, the pathogens were not consistent in 11 patients (35.5%). Among the 25 patients who were positive for both PBUC and intraoperative SC, the pathogens were not consistent in 13 patients (52.0%). We recommend collecting RPUC and SC samples during ureteroscopy, especially for patients with high risk factors, including female gender, expected struvite calculi and positive PBUC results.

Efficacy of Intraoperative Renal Stone Culture in Predicting Postpercutaneous Nephrolithotomy Urosepsis/Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome: A Prospective Analytical Study with Review of Literature.

AIM: To evaluate and study the efficacy of intraoperative renal stone culture (IOSC) in predicting postpercutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) urosepsis (PPS) and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). PPS is known to occur in patients despite negative preoperative midstream urine culture (MSUC). METHODS: After obtaining institutional ethics committee approval and informed consent, 78 selected patients undergoing PCNL were evaluated as per protocol for risk factors for SIRS criteria with MSUC, intraoperative renal pelvic urine culture (RPUC), and IOSC. RESULTS: MSUC was positive in six (7.7%) patients. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, negative predictive value (NPV) and respiratory rate of MSUC for detecting SIRS were 20%, 93.15, 16.67%, 94.44%, and threefold, respectively. RPUC was positive in five (6.9%) patients with a specificity and NPV of 92.64% and 94.02%, respectively. IOSC positivity was seen in four (5.1%) patients with specificity and NPV of 94.5% and 3.2%, respectively. SIRS developed in five (6.4%) patients. MSUC, RPUC, and IOSC could not demonstrate any significant association with the occurrence of SIRS. Postoperative urine culture (POUC) was positive in 1/5 SIRS patients and no significant association (p < 0.182) could be demonstrated between the risk factors and PPS. Most complications were minor, while the mean hospital stay was significantly higher in SIRS patients. CONCLUSIONS: While MSUC, RPUC, and IOSC were less sensitive in predicting the occurrence of SIRS/urosepsis in patients undergoing PCNL, nevertheless, we recommend routine IOSC for stone colonizing bacteria in at-risk select patients to predict potential PPS/SIRS. POUCs could be used in symptomatic SIRS to guide antimicrobial therapy in post-PCNL patients. Positive peri/intraoperative urine cultures may assist the urologist in directing appropriate antibiotics to prevent potential urosepsis in post-PCNL patients. Those with a higher blood transfusion rate and Clavien complications were at increased risk of PPS/SIRS. Escherichia coli was the most frequently isolated microbe followed by Klebsiella and Proteus, which were mostly sensitive to nitrofurantoin.

Does leaving residual fragments after percutaneous nephrolithotomy in patients with positive stone culture and/or renal pelvic urine culture increase the risk of infectious complications?

The residual fragments in patients with preoperative and intraoperative culture positivity may serve as an infection focus. The aim of this study was to assess the importance of residual fragments for developing SIRS in patients with stone culture and/or RPUC positivity. After obtaining institutional review board approval, a total of 729 patients who undergone PCNL for renal stones were included in this study. Residual fragments accepted to be positive if any fragment was detected irrespective of size. All patients were followed-up postoperatively for SIRS criteria. The patients were then followed-up for residual stone-related events and infectious complications. 94 of the 729 patients have developed SIRS postoperatively. SIRS positivity was more common among males and found to be associated with higher stone burden and presence of staghorn stone. Patients with residual fragments after PCNL also had higher rates of SIRS. In the subgroup analysis of 203 patients who had post-PCNL residual fragments, the peroperative stone and/or RPUC positivity was not found to be associated with the development of the SIRS. Although presence of residual fragments after PCNL is associated with SIRS development, stone culture and/or RPUC positivity has no additional risk for development of post-PCNL infectious complications in patients with residual fragments.

A Multi-Institutional Study of Struvite Stones: Patterns of Infection and Colonization.

OBJECTIVE: To examine urine and stone bacteriology of struvite stone formers in a large cohort of patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1191 patients, with stone and urine cultures, treated with PCNL for renal calculi were included in the study. Statistical differences were assessed using Mann-Whitney U and T-tests. RESULTS: Stone cultures were positive in 72% of patients with struvite stones. Urea-splitting organisms accounted for only half of the positive stone cultures. Enterococcus (9/50, 18%), Proteus (9/50, 18%), and Escherichia coli (6/50, 12%) were the most commonly identified organisms. Notably, two-thirds of struvite formers with negative stone culture had at least one positive culture for a urea-splitting organism on urine culture going back 1 year from the time of surgery. A majority (67%) of struvite stone cultures were found to be resistant to first- and second-generation cephalosporins. CONCLUSIONS: The bacteriology of struvite stones has shifted away from traditional urea-splitting organisms and antibiotic coverage must be expanded to include organisms such as Enterococcus that do not respond to cephalosporins. Causative organisms may be found by going back in time to identify the initial organism that could have induced struvite stone formation to inform preventative therapy.

Stone culture retrieved during percutaneous nephrolithotomy: is it clinically relevant?

Stone culture has been frequently investigated following percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) in the last decade. We aimed to crucially define the clinical role of stone culture in modifying the treatment plan in patients with postoperative sepsis. Between June 2012 and April 2013, a total of 79 consecutive PNL procedures were included. Perioperative data were prospectively maintained. Preoperative urine sample, retrieved stone fragments and postoperative nephrostomy tube urine sample were cultured and antibiotic sensitivity tests were performed. The occurrence of at least two of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) events during their inpatient stay was diagnostic of SIRS. The antibiotic regimen utilized and its modifications were reported. The preoperative culture was positive in 26 patients (32.9 %). The culture of stone fragments showed significant bacterial growth in 23 (29.1 %) cases. Significant growth on stone culture was significantly associated with the presence of preoperative urinary catheters and positive preoperative urine culture (P = 0.001, 0.006 respectively). Postoperative culture was positive in only six patients (7.6 %). SIRS was diagnosed in the first postoperative day in 12 patients (15.2 %). Leukocytosis was the only predictor of SIRS. Neither preoperative culture, stone culture nor postoperative culture was predictor of SIRS. Stone culture was positive in four patients with SIRS. Stone culture changed the treatment plan in only one patient. Our data do not support the routine implementation of stone culture in the PNL workup, as it did not indicate a change of antibiotic regimen in most of the cases.

Perioperative cultures and the role of antibiotics during stone surgery.

Urinary tract infection and urosepsis are the most common complications associated with the procedures urologists employ to manage stone disease. Recommendations regarding antibiotic prophylaxis and utilization of perioperative urine and stone culture prior to shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) or endoscopic intervention have evolved overtime. We sought to provide readers with a comprehensive consensus regarding these most recent recommendations.

Multibacterial growth from a surgical renal stone culture: a case report and literature review.

Urinary calculi may harbor bacteria, and this may lead to deleterious events during stone fragmentation and removal. The isolation of such bacteria from surgically extracted calculi allows for the specific tailoring of antimicrobial therapy. Here, we describe a case involving percutaneous stone removal from which the stone culture demonstrated growth of five different microorganisms. The results of this culture prompted a change in the antibiotic coverage, resulting in a more targeted treatment and improved patient care.