A very easy technique of stenting for laparoscopic pyeloplasty: penbegul intravenous cannula (PICA) technique.

INTRODUCTION: Double-J stent insertion during laparoscopic pyeloplasty is a difficult and time-consuming process and several techniques were defined to perform a double-J stent with an antegrade approach. In this study we present the technique (PICA) of antegrade double-J placement during laparoscopic pyeloplasty by using 14 gauge intravenous cannula. Surgical technique: After we complete the suturing of the posterior wall of the anastomosis during laparoscopic pyeloplasty, we first puncture the abdominal wall with a 14-gauge "intravenous cannula" from a location that provides most suitable angle for inserting the double-J stent into the ureter. We remove the metal needle of the cannula, and the sheath which has an inner diameter of 5.2F remains over the abdominal wall. The double J stent is then advanced from inside the cannula sheath to the intraperitoneal area; under laparoscopic imaging the stent is gently grasped at its distal end using an atraumatic laparoscopic forceps to insert it into the ureter. The stent is then pulled down to its proximal end, and after the guidewire is removed, the proximal end of the double-J stent is placed inside the renal pelvis with an atraumatic forceps. With this technique we can apply the double-J stent in just one step. Additionaly we can use a 14-gauge IV cannula sheath as a trocar when needed during laparoscopic pyeloplasty to retract an organ or reveal an anastomosis line. COMMENTS: Our new technique of antegrade double-J placement during laparoscopic pyeloplasty by 14 gauge intravenous cannula sheath, is very easy and quick to perform.

A very easy technique of stenting for laparoscopic pyeloplasty: penbegul intravenous cannula (PICA) technique

ABSTRACT Introduction: Double-J stent insertion during laparoscopic pyeloplasty is a difficult and time-consuming process and several techniques were defined to perform a double-J stent with an antegrade approach. In this study we present the technique (PICA) of antegrade double-J placement during laparoscopic pyeloplasty by using 14 gauge intravenous cannula. Surgıcal technıque: After we complete the suturing of the posterior wall of the anastomosis during laparoscopic pyeloplasty, we first puncture the abdominal wall with a 14-gauge "intravenous cannula" from a location that provides most suitable angle for inserting the double-J stent into the ureter. We remove the metal needle of the cannula, and the sheath which has an inner diameter of 5.2F remains over the abdominal wall. The double J stent is then advanced from inside the cannula sheath to the intraperitoneal area; under laparoscopic imaging the stent is gently grasped at its distal end using an atraumatic laparoscopic forceps to insert it into the ureter. The stent is then pulled down to its proximal end, and after the guidewire is removed, the proximal end of the double-J stent is placed inside the renal pelvis with an atraumatic forceps. With this technique we can apply the double-J stent in just one step. Additionaly we can use a 14-gauge IV cannula sheath as a trocar when needed during laparoscopic pyeloplasty to retract an organ or reveal an anastomosis line. Comments: Our new technique of antegrade double-J placement during laparoscopic pyeloplasty by 14 gauge intravenous cannula sheath, is very easy and quick to perform.

A novel percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) set: The 'Economical One-shot PCNL Set' (Ecoset).

OBJECTIVES: To suggest a novel disposable percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) set that we named the 'Economical One-shot PCNL Set' (Ecoset), which consists of a single 30-F dilator, 30-F sheath, and 8-F polyurethane dilator, as use of a 'one-shot' dilatation technique during PCNL is becoming widespread. PATIENT AND METHODS: The medical records of 42 patients with kidney stones who had undergone 'one-shot' PCNL from February 2014 to June 2016 were retrospectively reviewed and analysed. Demographic data, as well as the stone size, radiation exposure time, operation time, hospitalisation duration, rate of treatment success and complications, were recorded. RESULTS: The mean (SD, range) age of the patients was 44.43 (16.54, 11-72) years. The mean (SD) stone size was 35.12 (17.53) mm. The mean (SD) operation time was 54.58 (22.24) min. The mean (SD) fluoroscopic screening time was limited to 154.72 (117.48) s. Treatment success was achieved in 32 (76%) patients. The mean (SD) hospital stay was 3.09 (0.75) days. None of the patients had any major complications. Bleeding requiring blood transfusion was required in three patients. The cost of a disposable dilatation set for a single PCNL operation with a balloon set, a standard Amplatz set, or an Ecoset is ∼$137, $120, or $27 (American dollars), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The one-shot dilatation technique using the Ecoset for PCNL can be feasibly, safely, and effectively performed in almost every adult patient. The Amplatz dilator set and balloon dilator set have the disadvantage of relatively high cost, whereas the Ecoset is the cheapest 'disposable set' that can be used during PCNL surgery.

For reliable urine cultures in the detection of complicated urinary tract infection, do we use urine specimens obtained with urethral catheter or a nephrostomy tube?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the results of urine cultures obtained either from urethral, and percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) catheters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 328 consecutive patients that underwent PCN at our institution with complicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) between July 2010 and April 2015. Results of urine cultures obtained from the urethral and nephrostomy catheters were compared. RESULTS: This study included 152 male and 176 female patients. Mean age of the patients was 46.2±24.3 years. The main indications were obstructive uropathy due to urolithiasis complicated with pyonephrosis 145 (44%), malignant disease (n=87; 26%), pregnancy (n=26; 8%), and anatomical abnormality (n=23; 7%). One hundred and twenty three patients had diabetes mellitus. The most common causative organisms were Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Blood cultures showed the same results for the PCN and bladder urine cultures. The bladder urine culture was positive in 304 patients, while the PCN urine culture in 314 patients. CONCLUSION: PCN is an important treatment for the management of pyonephrosis. Cultures from the PCN yield valuable information that is not available from urethral urine cultures, and is a guiding tool for antibiotic therapy selection.

A novel drainage technique during micropercutaneous nephrolithotomy in pediatric patients: double angiocath.

Micropercutaneous nephrolithotomy (microperc) is a recently introduced percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) technique that has the smallest tract size. The absence of an amplatz sheath during the microperc technique is a fundamental difference that distinguishes it from all other types of PNL (standard, mini, ultramini). Increasing of the intrarenal pelvic pressure (IPP) was demonstrated by the authors in adult patients but this problem may be even more serious in pediatric patients. Previously, the authors defined the use of a 14 gauge angiocath needle and sheath (microsheath) during microperc surgery for pediatric patient to reduce the IPP. In this novel technique, a second angiocath is used to access the renal collecting system to drain fluid during surgery. This technique is more effective in reducing IPP during microperc, especially in pediatric patients.

Bilateral microperc in a severe kyphoscoliosis.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is the standard modality for large renal calculi in normal and abnormal renal anatomic situations. This case report describes a 57-year-old male patient who presented with bilateral kidney stones and severe kyphoscoliosis. He had successfully been treated with a bilateral microperc technique.

STPEDISET: A novel innovation for percutaneous nephrolithotomy in children.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to report the outcomes of PCNL in patients in whom the Short and Thin Pediatric Set (ST PEDISET) had been used. METHODS: Data from 21 patients (11 boys and 10 girls) who underwent PCNL for renal stones using the ST PEDISET between April 2013 and February 2015 were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were evaluated by plane radiography and USG after surgery. RESULTS: In total 21 children (11 boys and 10 girls) with a median age of 13months (range 5months to 4years) who underwent PCNL were included in the study. The median stone burden was 16mm (range 10-36mm). The success rate was 85.7%. Sixteen patients (76.2%) were stone free and two patients (9.5%) had clinically insignificant residual fragments (CIRF). The median length of hospital stay was 4days (range 2-9days). CONCLUSIONS: The data of this study clearly show that the ST PEDISET is safe, effective and ergonomic for percutaneous nephrolithotomy in preschool-age children. This study indicates the need for randomized trials on larger cohorts to confirm these findings, and thus improve the surgical procedure.

Laparoscopy assisted percutaneous stone surgery can be performed in multiple ways for pelvic ectopic kidneys.

Pelvic kidney stones remain a unique challenge to the endourologists. Treatment options include open surgery, extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL), retrograde intrarenal surgery, and laparoscopy assisted PNL (LA-PNL). As a minimal invasive option, LA-PNL can decrease the risk for bowel and major vessel injury. Here, we describe our experience using the LA-PNL procedures with different combinations, to treat kidney stones in multiple patients with a pelvic ectopic kidney (PEK). Eight patients, with PEK, kidney stones, and no other treatment choice, but open surgery, were included in the study. Two different laparoscopic techniques such as mesocolon dissection and transmesocolic, and four different percutaneous procedures such as standard-PNL, mini-PNL, micro-PNL, and a PNL through the renal pelvis were used for stone extraction in these patients. The mean age of patients was 25.6 ± 12.9 years and mean stone size was 524.1 ± 430.3 mm(2). Mean operation time was 150.5 ± 40.0 (77-210) min which was composed of retrograde catheterization (14.8 ± 2.9 min), laparoscopic procedure (48.7 ± 20.6 min) and PNL procedure (86.8 ± 31.1 min). Residual stones were seen in two patients (no additional treatment was need), while a 'stone-free' procedure was achieved in six patients (75.0 %). On the post-operative first month visit, a stone was observed on radiological examinations in only one patient (87.5 % stone-free). Mean hospitalization time was 2.8 ± 0.9 days. No perioperative or post-operative complication was observed in all patients. LA-PNL surgery is a safe and effective option for treatment of PEK stones, and has several alternative approaches.

Micro-percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the treatment of pediatric nephrolithiasis: A single-center experience.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to clarify the applicability and safety of micro-PNL (microperc) in the treatment of pediatric kidney stones. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A single center prospective trial was initiated, and microperc was performed in 40 children using the same two methods: the classical all-seeing needle and microsheath method. Stone fragmentation was performed using a 200-µm holmium:YAG laser fiber. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 6.3±4.4years (range: 7months-16years). Fourteen were less than 3years old. The average calculous size was 16.5mm (range: 10-36mm). In 20 patients, access was achieved through the all-seeing needle method. In the other patients, access was achieved by the microsheath method. Conversion to mini-PNL was required in 2 patients due to intraoperative bleeding in one and a high stone burden in the other. The mean hospital stay was 3.8±1.2days (range: 1-10days), and the mean hemoglobin decrease was 0.7±0.3mg/dl (range: 0-1.7mg/dl).The duration of surgery and fluoroscopic screening was 75min and 3.7min, respectively. A DJ stent was placed in 11 patients due to a high stone burden. A ureteral stent was left for 1day in the rest of the cases. Complete clearance was achieved in the other 32 children. None of the patients required transfusion caused by renal hemorrhage. In 1 patient, extravasation of the irrigation fluid caused abdominal distention. As assessed by KUB and/or an ultrasound, the overall stone-free rate at 6weeks was 80%. There were residual fragments in 6 patients (15%). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that microperc is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of pediatric kidney stones. Children with small renal calculi and with nonobstructed collecting systems are suitable for microperc.

Potential biomarkers for the early detection of acute kidney injury after percutaneous nephrolithotripsy.

This study aims to investigate the role of urinary biomarkers in the determination of the potential risks of renal parenchymal tubular damage in adult patients who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) with the indication of renal stone. A randomized and prospective controlled study was performed between June and December 2013. We enrolled 29 consecutive patients with renal calculi > 2 cm and who underwent PNL, as well as 47 healthy control subjects. Urine samples, including 2 h before surgery, 2 and 24 h after surgery were collected from the patient group. Freshly voided urine samples were collected from the control group. Kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG), and liver-type fatty acid binding protein (LFABP) levels were measured from these urine samples. The mean KIM-1/Cr value that measured 24 h after the operation was statistically significant, higher than its preoperative (preop) level (p = 0.045). A significant difference was detected between the mean preop and postoperative (postop) 24 h NAG/Cr values (p < 0.001). Also, postop 24 h NGAL/Cr levels were statistically significant, higher than its preop levels (p = 0.013). According to the comparison of preop and postop levels, an increase in LFABP/Cr values secondary to surgical intervention was observed without any statistically significant difference. Besides the LFABP/Cr levels do not change after percutaneous kidney surgery, KIM-1/Cr, NAG/Cr, and NGAL/Cr levels increase postop period, especially at 24 h. Further studies with a larger series and repeated measurements should be performed to clarify if they can be used to demonstrate renal damage after percutaneous surgery or not.

Micro-percutaneous nephrolithotomy in infants: a single-center experience.

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and reliability of micro-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (micro-PNL) for the management of kidney stones in pediatric patients. This retrospective study included 24 infants that underwent micro-PNL for renal stones between March 2012 and April 2015. The inclusion criteria included: age younger than 2 years, stone size <20 mm, absence of urinary tract malformations and active infection, and no coagulopathy. Stone-free rates were assessed one month postoperatively by ultrasonography (USG) and kidneys, ureters, bladder (KUB) radiography. Complications were classified according to the Clavien classification system. The mean age of the patients was 15.8 ± 7.8 months (range, 8-23) and the mean stone size was 13.5 ± 3.84 mm. Intra-renal access was achieved using USG in 11 patients and KUB fluoroscopy in 13 patients. The operation time and fluoroscopic screening time were 53.7 ± 10.35 and 1.4 ± 0.9 min, respectively. The mean hospital stay was 2.5 ± 0.8 days, and the mean drop in the hemoglobin level was 0.51 ± 0.34 g/dL. Bleeding requiring blood transfusion was not observed. A ureteral J stent was implanted perioperatively in four patients because of stone burden. Four patients complained of postoperative renal colic (Clavien grade 1) and postoperative fever was observed in two patients. Definitive success rates were as follows: the stone-free rate was 83.3% (n = 20) and residual fragments were observed in four patients.

Urinary expression of acute kidney injury biomarkers in patients after RIRS: it is a prospective, controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluated the damage effects of retrograde intra-renal surgery (RIRS) on kidney tissue by measuring kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), N-acetyl-ß-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), liver-type fatty acid binding protein (LFABP) expression. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We enrolled thirty consecutive patients (Group 1) who underwent RIRS that presented with renal calculi size < 2 cm. Forty-seven control patients (Group 2) with no signs or symptoms of urogenital disease were also enrolled for this study. Patients urine KIM-1, NGAL, NAG, and LFABP and creatinine levels were determined before the surgery, 2 hours after the surgery, and 24 hours after the surgery. RESULTS: Demographic data were established and found to be similar between the two groups. Two hours after the surgery KIM-1/Cr and NGAL/Cr levels had increased significantly in urine compared to levels before the surgery (P:0.04, P:0.02 respectively) and decreased 24 hours after the surgery. The NAG/Cr and LFABP/Cr levels did not change significantly after the surgery. CONCLUSION: According to acute kidney injury (AKI) markers, this study is suggests that RIRS is a safe method , KIM-1/Cr and NGAL/Cr levels were increased first 2 hours but returned to initial levels within 24 hours after the surgery.

Colon perforation related to percutaneous nephrolithotomy: from diagnosis to treatment.

We present our experience with the largest series of colon perforation (CP) as complication of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL). From January 1998 to August 2014, 22 cases that presented with PNL-related CP from seven referral centers were retrospectively reviewed. The patients with CP were evaluated in terms of probable risk factors. Peri-operative and postoperative findings, timing of diagnosis, and treatment modalities of the CP were reviewed. Of the 22 patients, previous ipsilateral renal surgery (n:2) and retrorenal colon (n:5) were the risk factors for CP. The CP was directly visualized via nephroscopy during the surgery in 3 (13.6%) and with nephrostography at the end of the procedure in 4 patients (18.2%). In two patients, perforation was realized via the passage of contrast into the colon with nephrostography on the postoperative second day. Postoperative passage of feces through the nephrostomy tube was seen in six patients. The clinical signs in 13 cases directed CP diagnosis. The confirmation of the CP was achieved with a CT scan in all the patients. The patients with extraperitoneal perforation were primarily managed conservatively. Open surgical treatment was performed in cases with intraperitoneal perforation (n:5) and those with extraperitoneal perforation resistant to conservative treatment (n:5). Meticulous evaluation of the risk factors preoperatively is the initial step in the prevention of CP. Timely diagnosis plays essential role in the management of this PNL complication. Although extraperitoneal CP may be managed conservatively, surgery is required for intraperitoneal CPs.

Ultra-mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy in pediatric nephrolithiasis: both low pressure and high efficiency.

INTRODUCTION: The management of urolithiasis in children differs from adults because of anatomic and metabolic abnormalities. At present, various minimally invasive and invasive treatment strategies have been recommended to treat urinary tract Stones, including shock wave lithotripsy (SWL), standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL), mini-PNL, retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS), micro-PNL, and a new technique termed ultra-mini PNL (UMP). UMP is a new method for the treatment of kidney stones. The main difference between UMP and standard PNL or mini-PNL lies in the small access sheath and in its design. A 9.5F pediatric compact cystoscope was used (Figure). A major advantage of UMP is that it provides similar stone-free rates when compared with standard PNL, with lower intrarenal pressure than micro-PNL. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine the applicability and safety of UMP in the treatment of pediatric kidney stones. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the files of 39 kidney stones in children who had undergone UMP between May 2011 and October 2014. The indications for UMP included stones resistant to SWL, stones requiring repeated sessions of SWL, and stones size larger than 20 mm. RESULTS: The study included 17 females and 22 males, with a mean age of 5.8 ± 4.6 years. The mean hemoglobin loss was 0.9 ± 0.6 mg/dL and none of the patients required a blood transfusion. The complication rate of the PNL procedure was 15.3% (n = 6). Complete clearance was achieved in 32 patients (82%) with UMP monotherapy, which increased to 34% (87.1%) 4 weeks after the operation. DISCUSSION: Management of urolithiasis necessitates a balance between stone clearance and morbidity related to the procedure. SWL often leads to persistent residual stones. The developing RIRS can minimize the risks associated with bleeding and visceral injury, but sometimes the abnormal pelvicaliceal anatomy and poor imaging of the flexible ureteroscopy may impact its success rate and applications. It has been reported that PNL can be performed safely and effectively to achieve a higher stone-free rate; however, it has serious complications such as bleeding that requires blood transfusion in 11-14% of the cases with increased risk of kidney loss. The recent development of smaller sheaths allows tract formation with minimal damage to the renal parenchyma, thereby reducing procedure-related morbidity without diminishing its therapeutic efficacy. CONCLUSION: The most important advantage of this surgical technique that has been developed is similar stone-free rates to standard PNL and lower intrarenal pressure than micro-PNL. Our experience supports that UMP is safe and effective for the management of renal stones in children.

Ultrasound-guided micropercutaneous nephrolithotomy in pediatric patients with kidney stones.

OBJECTIVE: To present the outcomes of ultrasound-guided micropercutaneous nephrolithotomy for the treatment of renal stones in pediatric patients. METHODS: Ultrasound-guided micropercutaneous nephrolithotomy was carried out on 25 pediatric patients from June 2012 to October 2014. Micropercutaneous nephrolithotomy surgery was completed without the use of fluoroscopy in 19 patients. Medical records were retrieved from our institutional database and retrospectively reviewed. Percutaneous puncture was carried out by an "all-seeing needle" in seven patients and by a 14-G intravenous cannula in 18 patients. After entering to the collecting system through an "all-seeing needle" or by Microsheath, the calculus was fragmented using a 273-micron holmium yttrium aluminium garnet laser. After the stone was fragmented to the smallest pieces possible, the operation was terminated. RESULTS: Single access was obtained in all patients using ultrasound guidance. The average age of the patients was 4.12 ± 5.33 years. The mean stone size was 13.45 ± 3.11 mm. The mean operative time was 51.45 ± 30.69 min. The mean duration of hospitalization was 3.18 ± 1.77 days. Treatment success was 92%. Two patients had residual fragments after the procedure; these patients were followed conservatively. A total of three minor complications were observed and all of them were managed conservatively. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first study of ultrasound-guided micropercutaneous nephrolithotomy in the pediatric population. Our findings suggest that micropercutaneous nephrolithotomy can be safely carried out with ultrasound guidance in children by experienced hands, allowing to minimize risks associated with radiation exposure in this patient population.

Minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy: an effective treatment for kidney stones in infants under 1 year of age. A single-center experience.

We aimed to present the outcomes of PNL surgery performed in infantile patients with small renal stones who were younger than 1 year of age. A single-center prospective trial was initiated and during the period between Jan 2013 and Jan 2015, PNL was applied to 20 renal units of 16 infants (6 girls and 10 boys), including 4 patients with bilateral kidney stones. PNL was performed in patients with renal stones larger than 2 cm, as well as stones resistant to SWL or renal stones that were undetectable during SWL. The mean age of the patients was 9.55 (5-12) months. Of the 20 renal units, 1 had complete staghorn stones, 3 had partial staghorn stones, 13 had renal pelvic stones, and 3 had lower pole stones. The mean stone size was 18.5 mm (range 12-36 mm). Mean operative time for PNL was 88 (25-135 min). Mean fluoroscopy time was estimated as 3.4 min. Mean hemoglobin loss was 0.72 g/L (0.2-3). The mean hospital stay was 4.1 days (2-8 days). On postoperative day 1, a complete stone-free state was achieved in 70% of renal units (14 of 20). At the end of the first postoperative week, the remaining two patients had insignificant residual fragments of 3 mm and were followed conservatively without any specific intervention. Thus, the total SFR was 80% (16 of 20) at discharge. In infants aged less than 1 year, minimal access tract dilation during PNL, the use of smaller caliber pediatric instruments, and the realization of this procedure by surgeons with adequate experience in adults carry utmost importance. In addition, special care should be taken to avoid hypothermia and radiation exposure during PNL.

Comparison of Monoplanar and Biplanar Access Techniques for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the positive aspects and complications of monoplanar and biplanar access techniques used in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) based on the modified Clavien complication grading system. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The data from patients who underwent PCNL using either monoplanar access (group 1) or biplanar access (group 2) techniques were analyzed retrospectively. For the biplanar technique, puncture is adjusted based on different fluoroscopic projections, including vertical and 30 degree positions. For the monoplanar technique, a C-arm fluoroscope was brought into vertical position, the collecting system was visualized with a contrast agent, and the most appropriate calix was selected to extract the targeted stone. RESULTS: The monoplanar technique was performed for renal access in 310 patients (group 1), and the biplanar technique was used for renal access in 351 patients (group 2). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups with regard to demographic data. The mean puncture time was significantly lower in group 1 (monoplanar) when compared with that of group 2 (biplanar, P=0.04). The overall success rates of the monoplanar and biplanar groups were 88% and 89% (including clinically insignifican residual fragments in 9% and 7%), respectively (P>0.05), and the complication rates of both groups were similar. CONCLUSION: The monoplanar access technique, which is safe to use, decreases puncture time, minimizes the surgeon's direct exposure time to radiation, and has similar success rates as the biplanar access technique.

Does aging affect the outcome of percutaneous nephrolithotomy?

To investigate whether aging affects surgical outcomes by comparing the results of two patient groups undergoing PNL: those over 60 and those under 60. A retrospective screen was made for patients undergoing conventional PNL surgery for renal stones performed in two separate centers between 2010 and 2013. 520 patients included were classified into age groups: patients aged 18-59 comprised Group-1 and those aged over 60 comprised Group-2. Those between 60-69 years (sexagenarian) were assigned to Group-2a; 70-79 years (septuagenarian) to Group-2b; and 80-89 years (octogenarian) to Group-2c. Patients' demographic characteristics (accompanying comorbidities, ASA scores, body mass indices and stone size) and perioperative values (duration of surgery and hospital stay, success and complication rates) were compared between the groups. Mean stone size was similar in groups (30.1 ± 15.5 vs. 31.5 ± 15.4 mm, p = 0.379). The mean ASA value for the patients in Group-1 was 1.61; significantly lower than that in the other groups (p = 0.000). The level of accompanying comorbidities in Group-1 was significantly lower than that of the other groups (p = 0.000). The mean duration of surgery, postoperative hematocrit drop, complication and success rate were statistically similar in Groups 1 and 2 (p = 0.860, p = 0.430, p = 0.7, and p = 0.66, respectively). The duration of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the patients in Group-1 compared to those in Group-2 (p = 0.008). In experienced hands, PNL can be safely and reliably performed in the treatment of renal stones in elderly patients.

Minipercutaneous nephrolithotomy in infants: a single-center experience in an endemic region in Turkey.

The objective of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of miniaturized percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mini-PNL) method in infantile patients <3 years of age diagnosed with renal stones. We studied 48 renal units in 40 patients of infantile patients <3 years of age who underwent mini-PCNL at our institute. The mean age of the patients was 24.02 (5-36) months. The mean diameter of the stones was 22.3 mm (11-45 mm). Intrarenal access was achieved under fluoroscopic (n = 43) or ultrasonographic (n = 5) guidance under general anesthesia. A 20 Fr peel-away sheath, a 17 Fr rigid nephroscope and a pneumatic intracorporeal lithotripsy were used. Mean operative time for PNL was 85 (25-135) min. Mean fluoroscopy time was estimated as 3.7 min. The mean hospital stay was 4.3 days (2-10). Mean hemoglobin loss was 0.89 g/L (11.56-10.67) and three of the patients, including one case during the perioperative period, required blood transfusions. Colonic perforation developed in one case. In two patients, urinary drainage persisted for more than 24 h after withdrawal of the nephrostomy tube. Seven patients developed urinary tract infections (UTI). At the end of the postoperative first week, the stone-free rate was estimated to be 81.2 %. In conclusion, for percutaneous management of renal stones in the infantile age group, mini-PNL is an applicable treatment modality that can be applied through small incisions. It has higher stone-free rates, shorter hospital stays, and excellent esthetic outcomes. In this age group especially, surgical exposure to hypothermia and radiation should be avoided.