Triangular prismatic JJ stent does not cause more discomfort than tubular ones: a randomised controlled trial comparison.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the stent-related symptoms (SRS) of three commonly used, readily accessible ureteric JJ stents after uncomplicated flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy (FURL), in a prospective randomised controlled single-blind parallel-group study, in order to see whether structural difference might influence SRS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing FURL were randomised into three groups: the Cook Group received conventional 6 F Cook Universa Soft JJ stents as control, the Kang Yi Bo (KYB) Group received 6 F KYB anti-reflux JJ stents, and the Urovision Group received 7 F Urovision Visiostar ESWL JJ stents. The ureteric stent symptom questionnaire (USSQ) was administered at 1 week, 4 weeks (before stent removal), and 5 weeks (one week after stent removal as baseline evaluation) after stent insertion. Both raw and baseline-adjusted USSQ domain subscores at 1 week and 4 weeks were compared. RESULTS: A total of 146 patients were included in the analysis. The KYB Group showed significantly lower P6&7 subscore yet higher urinary symptoms score 1 week and 4 weeks after stents insertion than both Cook and Urovision, whilst the Urovision Group achieved similar scores in most domains with Cook. CONCLUSIONS: Although the KYB anti-reflux JJ stent might prevent vesicoureteral reflux, it induces significantly stronger urinary symptoms, both at 1 week or 4 weeks after stent insertion, with or without baseline correction. Despite the unique triangular prismatic shape, the Urovision Visiostar stent does not cause heavier urinary symptoms or pain compared to the conventional cylinder shape counterparts.

Omnidirectional (Flexible) Ureteral Access Sheath: Safety, Efficacy, and Initial Experience Report.

Background: Recently a novel omnidirectional (OD) ureteral access sheath (UAS) has been developed. By retrospectively reviewing and comparing the flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy (FURL) cases in our institution with either a conventional Cook UAS or an OD UAS in the past year, we shared our experience of the safety, efficacy, and relevant issues on the usage of OD UAS. Materials and Methods: The medical history and surgery details of 199 patients with kidney stones or ureterojunctional stones who underwent FURL in Xinhua Hospital, including 61 Cook UAS and 138 OD UAS, were reviewed and compared. The maximal deflection angle was measured by steering four different types of ureteroscopes to bend the OD UAS in different states. Result: The deflection angle of OD UAS was ∼110° to 130° free load, and 90° to 130° when loaded with different instruments. The stone burden and position were similar in two groups. Given a similar prestent ratio and operation time, the OD UAS group achieved a higher single-session stone-free rate (SFR) (63.9% vs 94.2%, p < 0.0001) at 1-month follow-up evaluated by a CT scan. Conclusion: OD UAS is a novel device with high safety and efficacy. The unique flexible design allows it to bend with the ureteroscope and enter renal calices and be set close to the stone. Combined with the suction port, OD UAS contributes greatly to dealing with large-burden kidney stones, shortens operation time, and improves single-session SFR.

Characteristics and Species Diversity of Semi-Natural Plant Communities on Langqi Island.

(1) Background: Islands are relatively independent and fragile ecosystems with unique habitats. Studying the relatively stable semi-natural plant communities on islands can enrich island vegetation data and provide an understanding of the factors affecting species diversity and distribution. (2) Methods: The semi-natural plant communities on Langqi Island (LI) in Fujian Province were sampled, and the redundancy method was used to analyze the correlation between species diversity, community distribution, and environmental factors. (3) Results: (i) There were 432 species of vascular plants, with 306 genera and 110 families; (ii) the semi-natural plant communities consisted of three vegetation types, 10 formations, and 10 clusters; (iii) the species diversity indices of the semi-natural plant communities presented a trend of gradually decreasing along the shrub, tree, and herb layers. Different formations varied in terms of the species diversity index; and (iv) the soil total potassium and nitrogen contents significantly affected the species diversity of the LI semi-natural plant communities, whereas the pH, soil TN content, organic matter content, AK content, and altitude significantly affected the community distribution. (4) Conclusions: Selecting appropriate tree species for mixed forests based on plant characteristics and regional conditions, together with regulating the soil nutrient content, can improve the species diversity of semi-natural plant communities.

Perioperative anemia predicts kidney injury after partial nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: Partial nephrectomy (PN) induced kidney injury is still a challenging clinical matter that has not been completely conquered. This study aimed to explore the influences of perioperative anemia on renal function after PN. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 114 patients undergoing PN were retrospectively studied. Serum creatinine was tested preoperatively and 24 hours and 3 days after PN to evaluate the occurrence of acute kidney injury (AKI). Perioperative anemia was evaluated on the basis of the hemoglobin (Hb) value at 24 hours and 3 days postoperation. Patients were then followed up for the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Associations between perioperative anemia and postoperative AKI and CKD were determined. RESULTS: The cumulative incidence of perioperative anemia was 33.33% in the study. A total of 32.46% of patients suffered from postoperative AKI, and 16.67% of patients progressed to CKD. The incidences of AKI and CKD in perioperative anemia patients were dramatically exceeded in those without anemia. Further statistical analyses indicated that perioperative anemia was a relevant factor for postoperative kidney injury, presenting the highest odds ratio of 31.272 for postoperative AKI and 17.179 for postoperative CKD. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that ΔHb=(preoperative Hb)-(postoperative Hb nadir) was a meaningful predictor of postoperative kidney injury, with an area under the curve of 0.784 for predicting postoperative AKI and 0.805 for postoperative CKD. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative anemia can predict kidney injury after PN, and ΔHb shows a meaningful predictive value for postoperative AKI and CKD.

Urine Macrophages Polarization Predicts Renal Function Recovery after Nephron-Sparing Surgery in Patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: This study was conducted to investigate the underlying associations between urine macrophages polarization and renal function recovery after nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and to explore the potential application values of urine macrophages polarization in predicting the severity of renal ischemia/reperfusion injury (RIRI). METHODS: Sixty-two patients with unilateral RCC who underwent NSS in our departments were prospectively recorded and followed up for long-term renal function to assess the onset of acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Urine samples of patients were collected 72 h after surgery for analyzing pro-inflammatory (classically activated/M1) and pro-reparative (alternatively activated/M2) macrophages polarization by flow cytometry. The detailed correlations between urine macrophages polarization and renal function recovery after NSS were explored by statistical analyses. RESULTS: The cumulative incidence of postoperative AKI was 27.4% (17/62), and 47.0% (8/17) of those eventually developed to CKD during the follow-up. The mean urine M1/M2 ratio was 10.54 ± 8.13 in the AKI group and 3.93 ± 3.10 in the non-AKI group, presenting a significant statistical difference (p < 0.0001). Meanwhile, the urine M1/M2 ratio presented amazing potential in predicting postoperative CKD as well, with a mean ratio of 12.54 ± 9.41 in the CKD group and 4.28 ± 3.21 in the non-CKD group (p < 0.0001). Though univariate analysis implied that urine M1/M2 ratio was a relevant factor of both postoperative AKI and CKD in NSS surgical patients, multivariate analysis did not show satisfying predicting potential in postoperative CKD, mainly due to the very limited candidates enrolled in this study. CONCLUSION: Urine macrophages polarization could predict renal function recovery after NSS in patients with RCC. The urine M1/M2 ratio might a potential biomarker of RIRI but needs to be further verified in clinical settings.

Comparison of the effects of extrinsic compression on the drainage performance of three ureteric stents.

OBJECTIVES: To share our centre's experience dealing with ureteric obstruction, in particular malignant obstructions, by investigating the deformation and flow velocity of three commonly used, readily accessible ureteric stents under at different compression levels and surface change at three time points (new, 1 month and 3 months after implantation). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis was conducted on ureteric JJ stents, including the Cook Universa Soft, the Kang Yi Bo (KYB) antireflux and the Urovision Visiostar ESWL JJ stents. Deformation caused by compression was measured using a digital force gauge. Intraluminal flow velocity was tested with the stents subject to different compression levels. RESULTS: The Urovision Visiostar JJ stent demonstrated significantly better anti-compression capability. The Cook Universa Soft and KYB antireflux JJ stents showed favourable draining velocity without compression, but the velocity dropped substantially on compression. The velocity of the KYB antireflux JJ stent reduced substantially after 3 months of implantation, while the Urovision Visiostar achieved the best draining effect when under compression at all three time points. CONCLUSION: The Urovision Visiostar JJ stent demonstrated significantly greater resistance to compression than the other two JJ stents, as well as better drainage under compression. Patients with benign or malignant ureteric compression might benefit from use of the Urovision Visiostar stent. Large prospective clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Elevated basal serum levels of calcitonin and simultaneous surgery of MEN2A-specific tumors.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN2A) is a rare syndrome caused almost by germline RET mutation, and characterized by medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in combination or not with pheochromocytoma (PHEO), hyperparathyroidism (HPTH), cutaneous lichen amyloidosis (CLA), and Hirschsprung's disease (HD). The basal serum calcitonin (Ctn)/carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels are significantly correlated with the MTC stage. Metachronous surgery of MEN2A-specific tumors is a routine procedure. We aimed to explore the clinical significance of pro-gastrin-releasing peptide (proGRP) in MTC with elevated Ctn and simultaneous surgery of MEN2A-specific tumors. We retrospectively investigated 8 RET mutation carriers of 2 Chinese pedigrees with MEN2A. Clinical profiles, imaging examinations, preoperative and postoperative biochemical data, surgical procedures, and follow-up records were evaluated. Three patients showed levels of elevated Ctn but normal proGRP. Among them, one patient (FAIII-6) in Family A (one for RET C634R mutation), diagnosed with bilateral MTC, left PHEO, bilateral HPTH, and CLA, classified as MEN2A-related CLA subtype, underwent successfully simultaneous adrenal-sparing surgery (ASS), total thyroidectomy (TT), and parathyroidectomy, while TT of the other two patients (FBII-3 and FBIII-7) diagnosed with bilateral MTC in Family B (all for RET C618R mutation) were performed. Unexpectedly, the absence of neck lymph node MTC metastasis was indicated by histopathological examination. Postoperatively, all had consistently "undetectable" or normal levels of Ctn/CEA during follow-up. Patients with normal proGRP, despite high levels of Ctn, might have no regional lymph node MTC metastasis, and neck dissection should be avoided. Moreover, simultaneous surgery for coexistent PHEO and either MTC or HPTH is an approach of choice to use as an alternative treatment pattern. Recognition of MEN2A-related CLA and subsequently early screening of RET mutation may be favorable for timely management of MEN2A-specific tumors.

Generation and characterization of a novel rat model of primary hyperoxaluria type 1 with a nonsense mutation in alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase gene.

Primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1) is a severe inherited disorder caused by a genetic defect in alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase (AGXT), which results in recurrent urolithiasis and renal failure. Animal models that precisely reflect human PH1 phenotypes are lacking. We aimed to develop a novel PH1 rat model and study the mechanisms involved in PH1 deterioration. One cell stage Sprague-Dawley embryos were injected with the CRISPR/Cas9 system to introduce a Q84X mutation in Agxt. Liver tissues were harvested to determine Agxt expression. Urine oxalate, crystals, and electrolyte levels in AgxtQ84X and wild-type (WT) littermates were evaluated. Kidney tissues were used for Pizzolato staining and kidney injury evaluation. Data showed that Agxt mRNA and protein were absent in AgxtQ84X rats. At 4 and 24 wk, AgxtQ84X rats displayed 2.1- and 2.9-fold higher urinary oxalate levels, respectively, compared with WT littermates. As a result, calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals in urine were revealed in all AgxtQ84X rats but in none of the WT rats. We also observed bladder stones in 36.4% of AgxtQ84X rats, of which 44.4% had renal CaOx deposition. Moreover, the elevated serum urea and creatinine levels indicated the impaired renal function in AgxtQ84X rats. Further investigation revealed significantly increased expression of inflammation-, necroptosis-, and fibrosis-related genes in the kidneys of AgxtQ84X rats with spontaneous renal CaOx deposition, indicating that these pathways are involved in PH1 deterioration. Collectively, these results suggest that this rat model has broad applicability in mechanistic studies and innovative therapeutics development for PH1 and other kidney stone diseases.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Primary hyperoxaluria type 1 is a severe inherited disorder that results in recurrent urolithiasis and renal failure. We generated an alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase (Agxt)Q84X nonsense mutant rat model that displayed an early onset of hyperoxaluria, spontaneous renal CaOx precipitation, bladder stone, and kidney injuries. Our results suggest an interaction of renal CaOx crystals with the activation of inflammation-, fibrosis-, and necroptosis-related pathways. In all, the AgxtQ84X rat strain has broad applicability in mechanistic studies and the development of innovative therapeutics.

Integration of exome sequencing and metabolic evaluation for the diagnosis of children with urolithiasis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence of inherited causes in an early onset urolithiasis cohort and each metabolic subgroup. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of both metabolic and genomic data was performed for the first 105 pediatric urolithiasis patients who underwent exome sequencing at our hospital from February 2016 to October 2018. Measurements included the diagnostic yield of exome sequencing in the entire cohort and each metabolic subgroup (hyperoxaluria, hypocitraturia, hypercalciuria, hyperuricosuria and cystine stone subgroups). The conformity between molecular diagnoses and metabolic evaluation was also evaluated. RESULTS: The present study involved a cohort of 105 pediatric patients with urolithiasis, from which diagnostic variants were identified in 38 patients (36%), including 27 primary hyperoxaluria and 11 cystinuria. In the metabolic subgroup analyses, 41% hyperoxaluria cases were primary hyperoxaluria caused by monogenic defects, and 100% of the causes of cystine stones could be explained by monogenic defects. However, no appropriate inherited causes were identified for hypocitraturia, hypercalciuria, or hyperuricosuria in the cohort. A high conformity (100%) was obtained between the molecular diagnoses and metabolic evaluation. CONCLUSION: Exome sequencing in a cohort of 105 pediatric patients with urolithiasis yielded a genetic diagnosis in 36% of cases and the molecular diagnostic yield varies substantially across different metabolic abnormalities.

Knockdown of lactate dehydrogenase by adeno-associated virus-delivered CRISPR/Cas9 system alleviates primary hyperoxaluria type 1.

BACKGROUND: Primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1) is a rare genetic disorder caused by endogenous overproduction of hepatic oxalate, leading to hyperoxaluria, recurrent calcium oxalate kidney stones, and end-stage renal disease. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an ideal target for diminishing oxalate production as it is responsible for glyoxylate to oxalate conversion in the liver, the last step of oxalate metabolism. Here, we investigated the therapeutic efficacy and potential side effects of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 technology to ameliorate PH1 via specifically disrupting the hepatic LDH. METHODS: Pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells were used to assess the efficacy of cleavage of single-guide RNAs in vitro. PH1 neonatal rats were injected with a single administration of adeno-associated virus to deliver the CRISPR/Cas9 system that targeted LDH. Three weeks after injection, a liver biopsy was performed to detect LDH expression, liver injury, and liver metabolomics. Urinary oxalate was regularly monitored, and renal calcium oxalate deposition was evaluated after 4 weeks of 0.5% ethylene glycol challenge. After 6 months of treatment, animals were euthanized, and ex-liver organs were harvested for toxicity analysis. RESULTS: The Ldha gene was specifically knocked out in 20% of the liver cells of PH1 rats in the treatment group, leading to a 50% lower LDH expression than that in the control group. Compared to the control groups, urinary oxalate levels were significantly decreased, and renal calcium oxalate precipitation was largely mitigated in the treatment group throughout the entire 6-month study period. While no CRISPR/Cas9-associated off-target edits or hepatotoxicity were detected, we observed mild metabolic changes in the liver tricarboxylic acid (TCA) and glycolysis pathways. CONCLUSIONS: CRISPR/Cas9-mediated LDH disruption may represent an applicable new strategy for alleviating PH1 for its long-lasting effect and low editorial efficiency requirements.

Urinary kidney injury molecule-1: a novel biomarker to monitor renal function in patients with unilateral ureteral obstruction.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of urinary kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) to monitor renal function in patients with obstructive unilateral ureteral calculi. METHODS: Kidneys of 12 male C57BL/6J mice, as well as their urine and plasma specimens, were extracted to detect KIM-1 expressions 24 h after unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) construction or sham surgery. Meanwhile, a cohort of 89 patients with unilateral ureteral calculi was retrospectively reviewed. 46 of which received double-J ureteral stent indwelling (group 1) and the remaining 43 were treated conservatively (group 2). Urinary KIM-1 levels in the baseline, 2 h and 1 day after treatments were analyzed. RESULTS: KIM-1 expressions were dramatically higher in mice underwent UUO surgery when compared with the sham group. Clinical data showed urinary KIM-1 levels decreased as time went by for patients in group 1 (1.787 ± 1.081 ng/mL for baseline, 1.668 ± 1.162 ng/mL for 2 h and 0.935 ± 0.526 ng/mL for 1 day after operation; p = 0.0001). Nevertheless, for those in group 2, a mild increase (1.659 ± 0.997 ng/mL, 1.691 ± 0.872 ng/mL and 1.675 ± 0.911 ng/mL, correspondingly; p = 0.9869) was observed. Additionally, a urinary KIM-1 value of 1.04 ng/mL had a sensitivity of 83.1% and specificity of 62.5% to predict the presence of hydronephrosis (95% CI: 0.641-0.873, AUC: 0.757, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Urinary KIM-1 is a sensitive biomarker of post-renal acute kidney injury (AKI) and might predict the presence of hydronephrosis. It can be used as an effective surrogate to monitor renal function.

The prognostic performance of Sepsis-3 and SIRS criteria for patients with urolithiasis-associated sepsis transferred to ICU following surgical interventions.

The aim of the present study was to validate the prognostic effectiveness of Sepsis-3 criteria, including sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) and quick SOFA (qSOFA), with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria among patients with urolithiasis associated sepsis that were transferred to intensive care unit (ICU) facilities following surgical interventions. To achieve this, the records of all patients transferred to ICU following surgical interventions with urolithiasis-associated sepsis between January 2010 to July 2017 at Xin Hua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 107 patients were enrolled. The prognostic performances of SOFA, qSOFA and SIRS for predicting in-hospital mortality (sepsis-related mortality during patients' hospitalizations) or prolonged length of ICU stay (>3 days) were compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and Z statistic values. The results revealed that the overall in-hospital mortality rate was 8.4% and the percentage of in-hospital mortality or prolonged length of ICU stay (>3 days) was 72.0% among the 107 patients. The favorable outcome group exhibited significantly decreased white blood cell counts, and levels of C-reactive protein and procalcitonin and increased systolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure. The AUROC of qSOFA, SIRS and SOFA were 0.615, 0.625 and 0.860, respectively. SOFA was significantly more effective at predicting adverse outcomes when compared with SIRS and qSOFA criteria. Following adjustments for patient age and comorbidities, the AUROC values of qSOFA, SIRS and SOFA were 0.713, 0.722 and 0.940. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicate that the prognostic performance of SOFA for predicting in-hospital mortality or prolonged ICU stay among patients with urolithiasis-associated sepsis following surgical interventions was significantly improved when compared with qSOFA or SIRS criteria. Based on these results it is recommended that urologists use the SOFA score for patients with urolithiasis-associated sepsis.

Urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin as a biomarker to monitor renal function in patients with obstructive ureteral calculi.

PURPOSE: Our study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) as an effective real-time monitoring biomarker of renal function in patients with obstructive ureteral calculi presenting renal colic. METHODS: A cohort of 89 first-visit patients with renal colic caused by unilateral ureteral calculi were retrospectively reviewed. 46 of which received double-J ureteral stent placement (group 1) and the remaining 43 treated conservatively with analgesics and hydration (group 2) when diagnosed. Urinary NGAL (uNGAL) values in the baseline, 2 h and 1 day after treatments were recorded. The variation of this parameter over time and the association with patients' characteristics were analyzed. RESULTS: uNGAL levels decreased as time went by for patients receiving double-J ureteral stent placement (47.23 ± 28.32 ng/mL for baseline, 40.73 ± 21.86 ng/mL for 2 h and 34.67 ± 18.00 ng/mL for 1 day after operation; p = 0.0363). Nevertheless, for those treating conservatively, the levels emerged a mild increase (50.63 ± 32.30 ng/mL, 56.00 ± 32.01 ng/mL and 60.63 ± 34.08 ng/mL, correspondingly; p = 0.3708). By analyzing the association between uNGAL variation and patients' characteristics of group 1, operation duration showed the best correlation coefficient (Pearson r = 0.6106, r2 = 0.3728, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: uNGAL can be used as a biomarker to monitor the renal function effectively when serum creatinine (sCr) was within normal limits. And double-J ureteral stent can be considered as a protective factor to renal function in patients with obstructive ureteral calculi presenting renal colic.

Flexible ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy with PolyScope for senile patients with renal calculi.

The present study reported the clinical experience of using a PolyScope with holmium laser lithotripter in managing renal calculi in senile patients. Between December 2013 and December 2016, 157 senile patients (69.1±6.1 years old) were treated with PolyScope holmium laser lithotripsy for renal calculi at Xin Hua Hospital (Shanghai, China). The mean stone digitized surface area was 154.2±57.7 mm2 (range, 55.8-478.3 mm2). A thorough medical history investigation, and laboratory and radiological examination were followed by proper preoperative management. The PolyScope was then passed into the renal cavities following the position of the ureteral access sheath, with laser energy maintained at 1.0-2.0 J, frequency 10-15 Hz. The demographical and operative information of senile patients were compared with that of the 332 non-senile patients operated at the same period time. The average operative time was 54.6±13.2 min (range, 37-124 min). No major complications, including ureteral perforation or sepsis were encountered. The single session stone-free rate (SFR) was 81.5% and the overall SFR was 89.2%, similar to that of the non-senile group. PolyScope combined with holmium laser lithotripter is safe and effective in managing renal calculi in senile patients compared with non-senile patients, with considerately high SFRs and low complication rates.

Tailored minimally invasive management of complex calculi in horseshoe kidney.

OBJECTIVE: Complex calculi in horseshoe kidney (HK) present a significant management challenge. Here, we report the clinical efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL) and flexible ureteroscopy (FURS), combined with holmium laser lithotripsy, in the treatment of calculi in HK. METHODS AND RESULTS: From January 2005 to May 2014, 62 HK patients with renal calculi were reviewed in terms of medical history, treatment modality and therapeutic outcome in a single tertiary care hospital. Among the patients, 11 with a solitary stone ≤ 1.5 cm in diameter received ESWL, leading to overall stone-free rate of 72.7%; 18 with stone diameter ≤ 2-3 cm received retrograde flexible ureteroscopy, with a recorded mean digitized surface area (DSA) of 339.6 ± 103.9 mm2, mean operation time of 93.1 ± 11.5 minutes and overall stone-free rate of 88.9%; and 33 with staghorn or complex calculi (d ≥ 2 cm) had MPCNL or MPCNL-FURS, with a recorded mean DSA of 691.0 ± 329.9 vs. 802.9 ± 333.3 mm2, mean operation time of 106.4 ± 16.6 vs. 124.4 ± 15.1 min and overall stone-free rate of 89.5% vs. 92.9%. For complex calculi (d ≥ 2 cm), MPCNL combined with antegrade FURS was superior in terms of reducing number of tracts, controlling mean hemoglobin drop, but required longer operation time, comparing with MPCNL alone. CONCLUSIONS: As minimally invasive treatments, a combination of MPCNL and antegrade FURS provides a safe and effective modality in the management of staghorn or complex calculi (d ≥ 2 cm) in HK with significantly reduced blood loss comparing to MPCNL alone, and retrograde FURS alone is favorable for stones with a diameter ≤ 2-3 cm. ESWL is effective for viable small solitary stones (d ≤ 1.5 cm). Treatment modality should be tailored based on individual condition.

Flexible Ureteroscopic Management of Horseshoe Kidney Renal Calculi.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of flexible ureteroscope (F-URS) combined with holmium laser lithotripter in treating renal calculi in horseshoe kidney. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From November 2010 to December 2013, the medical history and charts of sixteen patients (mean age 42.9 ± 11.6 years, range 26-66 years), including 13 males and 3 females were analyzed retrospectively. Mean stone burden was 29 ± 8 mm (range 17-42 mm2). Mean stone digitized surface area (DSA) was 321 ± 94 mm2 (range 180-538 mm2). Under spinal anesthesia in a modified lithotomy position with the head down, rigid ureteroscope was placed firstly into the ureter to reach the level of the pelvis, a zebra guide wire was inserted and following the removal of the rigid ureteroscope, an ureteral access sheath was positioned along the guide wire, then passed the URF P-5 flexible ureteroscope into the renal cavities over the guidewire. After locating the stones, holmium laser lithotripsy was performed. RESULTS: The average operative time was 92 ± 16 minutes (range 74-127 min.). No major complications were encountered. Ten patients obtained stone-free status with one session, four obtained stone-free status after two sessions. Single session stone-free rate was 62.5%, overall stone-free rate was 87.5%. Two patients have small residual stones in the lower pole. CONCLUSIONS: F-URS combined with holmium laser lithotripter and nitinol basket, is safe and effective in dealing with moderate stone diameter (<30 mm) in HSKs with high clearance rates and low complication rates.

Flexible Ureteroscopic Management of Horseshoe Kidney Renal Calculi

ABSTRACTPurpose:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of flexible ureteroscope (F-URS) combined with holmium laser lithotripter in treating renal calculi in horseshoe kidney.Materials and Methods:From November 2010 to December 2013, the medical history and charts of sixteen patients (mean age 42.9±11.6 years, range 26-66 years), including 13 males and 3 females were analyzed retrospectively. Mean stone burden was 29±8 mm (range 17-42 mm2). Mean stone digitized surface area (DSA) was 321±94 mm2 (range 180-538 mm2). Under spinal anesthesia in a modified lithotomy position with the head down, rigid ureteroscope was placed firstly into the ureter to reach the level of the pelvis, a zebra guide wire was inserted and following the removal of the rigid ureteroscope, an ureteral access sheath was positioned along the guide wire, then passed the URF P-5 flexible ureteroscope into the renal cavities over the guidewire. After locating the stones, holmium laser lithotripsy was performed.Results:The average operative time was 92±16 minutes (range 74-127 min.). No major complications were encountered. Ten patients obtained stone-free status with one session, four obtained stone-free status after two sessions. Single session stone-free rate was 62.5%, overall stone-free rate was 87.5%. Two patients have small residual stones in the lower pole.Conclusions:F-URS combined with holmium laser lithotripter and nitinol basket, is safe and effective in dealing with moderate stone diameter (<30 mm) in HSKs with high clearance rates and low complication rates.

Comparing the Efficacy of a Multimodular Flexible Ureteroscope With Its Conventional Counterpart in the Management of Renal Stones.

OBJECTIVE: To report our prospective comparison of clinical efficacy between multimodular flexible ureteroscope, PolyScope, and conventional flexible ureteroscope, both combined with holmium laser lithotripsy in managing renal stones <3 cm in diameter. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between February 2011 and July 2014, a total of 360 adult patients with renal stones were randomized in a single tertiary-care center trial. For 180 patients in each arm, flexible ureteroscopy and holmium laser lithotripsy were done with either PolyScope or Olympus URF P-5 as control. The primary end points were single-session stone fragmentation rate and stone-free rate. The secondary end points comprised operation time, complication rate, and hospital stay. RESULTS: Demographic and preoperative parameters were comparable between 2 groups. For stones of different locations and sizes, single-session stone fragmentation rate of PolyScope was similar to that of URF P-5. However, for lower calyceal stones, URF P-5 was significantly better than PolyScope (82.0% vs 69.2%; P = .022). No statistically significant difference existed in single-session or overall stone-free rate, complication rate, and hospital stay. Mean operation time of PolyScope group was 92.6 ± 20.2 minutes, 9 minutes (10.8%) longer than that of URF P-5 group 83.3 ± 17.1 minutes (P < .01). CONCLUSION: PolyScope demonstrates similar overall stone clearance rate to a conventional flexible ureteroscope in managing renal calculi <3 cm in diameter, but for lower pole stones, it is of inferior efficacy and it is more skillfully demanding, taking longer operation time.

Types of Renal Calculi and Management Regimen for Chinese Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy.

Strict selection of patients for minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy could effectively improve the success rate of surgery. This study aimed to understand the required skills and the efficacy of mini-PCNL in the treatment of five types of upper ureteral calculi. Data collected after X-ray analysis and B mode ultrasound from 633 patients with upper ureteral and renal pelvis calculi who underwent B ultrasound-guided lithotomy was reviewed, including the following: type I, upper ureteral or renal pelvis calculi with moderate hydronephrosis (154 cases); type II, upper ureteral or renal pelvis calculi with severe hydronephrosis (157 cases); type III, upper ureteral or renal pelvis calculi without hydronephrosis (61 cases); type IV, renal pelvis calculi, one or two renal calyx calculi (206 cases); and type V, renal staghorn calculi (55 cases). Operations on 611 cases were successful. The treatment method for five patients was converted to open surgery. Twelve cases were treated by indwelling double-J tube retro-catheterization and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. Five patients gave up the treatment. The rate of calculus clearance was 82.3 %, and the rate of residual calculus was 17.6 %. Selective renal artery embolization was performed in nine cases. Hydropneumothorax occurred in nine cases. No intestinal fistula occurred, and no patient had to undergo nephrectomy. The difficulty and the curative effect of the operation were different because the types of calculi varied. Selection of the procedure based on the different types of calculi could effectively improve the success rate of the procedure, reduce complications, and shorten the learning curve.

Erratum to: Types of Renal Calculi and Management Regimen for Chinese Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1007/s12262-014-1043-4.].