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

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

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

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

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

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

Patient Counseling Through the Pelvicalyceal-shaped Labyrinth: In Search of an Easy Understanding of the Upcoming Stone Removal: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of a mobile application (app) displaying a visualization of the internal anatomy of the pelvicalyceal systemPCS and of kidney stones on patient understanding of their affected kidney anatomy and their upcoming percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PCNL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One-hundred patients who required PCNL were included in this study, and all patients were nonrandomly distributed into 2 groups: counseled using only 3D-reconstructed computed tomography (CT) images (group 1) or using only the "InsKid" app (group 2). Patient data were obtained from CT scans as Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine format and converted into stereolithography (STL) format. All patients completed the questionnaire after counseling, and the results were compared between groups. RESULTS: Patients from group 2 better understood the anatomy of their affected kidney by 53%; awareness regarding their stone location was better by 32%; the steps of planned surgery, as well as possible complications, were more transparent for patients using the app by 24% and 56%, respectively. The number of patients who were dissatisfied with the mobile counseling dropped by 70%. The average duration of consultation with the 3D reconstruction of CT images was 10.9 ± 0.6 min, while counseling using our program reliably led to a reduction in this duration (7.3 ± 0.5 min). CONCLUSION: The InsKid app is a freely available, easy-to-use educational software that improves patient counseling without considerable financial expense or long waiting periods for use.

Risk factors for sepsis in patients with struvite stones following percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical characteristics of struvite stones and determine the preoperative predictors of sepsis in struvite patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). METHODS: A retrospective study of patients who underwent PCNL between April 2011 and March 2018 was performed. The data of the struvite stones and non-struvite stones groups were compared following propensity score matching. Subsequently, the struvite stones group was sub-divided for further analysis according to the Sepsis-3 definition: non-sepsis and sepsis groups. RESULTS: After matching based on age, gender, BMI, and number of access tracts, the comparative analysis showed that staghorn calculi and higher Guy's stone score were more frequently observed in non-struvite stone patients (n = 97), while a history of urolithiasis surgery (56.70%), preoperative broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy (53.61%), positive preoperative urine culture (55.67%), and sepsis (35.05%) after surgery were more common in patients (n = 97) with struvite stones (all P values < 0.05). Eighteen (18.56%) patients presented with multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteriuria. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the preoperative presence of MDR bacteriuria (OR = 3.203; P = 0.043) and increased serum creatinine (OR = 3.963; P = 0.010) were independent risk predictors of sepsis. The two factors were used to construct a nomogram to predict the probability of sepsis. The nomogram was well calibrated and had moderate discriminative ability (concordance index: 0.711). CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that patients with struvite stones were associated with a significantly high risk of calculi recurrence and sepsis after surgery. The presence of MDR bacteriuria preoperatively was a reliable factor to predict sepsis.

Is screening of Staghorn Stones cost-effective?

BACKGROUND: Staghorn stones can cause damage to the kidneys and are considered as the one of the main cause of renal failure. If they are identified during the initial stages of diagnosis, kidney damage can be prevented. Screening can lead to a better diagnosis. Before the screening, it is necessary to calculate the cost-effectiveness of screening. METHODS: Using the possibility calculations of staghorn stones in the society and different age groups as well as a decision tree model, the screening costs and effectiveness were calculated against no screening. Effectiveness was determined based on the number of prevented cases of renal failure. Ultimately, the incremental cost-effectiveness ration (ICER) was calculated and compared with the World Health Organization (WHO) method based on the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita and subgroup analysis was done for different age groups. In addition, the robustness of results was examined by sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: The results of decision tree showed that in the screening group, the expected cost was 8815997 USD and the expected effectiveness was 358 and in the no-screening group, the expected cost was 3954214 USD and the expected effectiveness was 258. Based on the results of the study, screening compared with no screening would increase the cost by 4861783 USD and effectiveness would increase by 100 people. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) showed that for each unit of increase in effectiveness of screening compared with no screening, would lead to an increase the cost by 48618 USD. The results also indicated that screening 30-70-year-old people compared with other age groups (20-70 and 25-70) if done every two years, could reduce the mean costs per preventing each case of renal failure.     Conclusion: If screening staghorn stones are done every two years for 30-70-year-old individuals, it would be cost effective considering WHO method and 3026 USD could be saved in the health care system per each person.

Management of staghorn renal stones.

Staghorn stones are large branching stones that fill part of all of the renal pelvis and renal calyces and they can be complete or partial depending on the level of occupancy of the collecting system. Although kidney stones are commoner in men, staghorn stones are less often reported in men compared to women and they are usually unilateral. Due to the significant morbidity and potential mortality attributed to staghorn stones, prompt assessment and treatment is mandatory. Conversely, conservative treatment has been shown to carry a mortality rate of 28% in 10-year period and 36% risk of developing significant renal impairment. Staghorn stones are, therefore, significant disease entity that should be managed aggressively and effectively. Generally, the gold standard treatment for staghorn stones is surgical with a view to achieve stone-free collecting system and preserve renal function. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy should be the recommended first-line treatment for staghorn stones. Other non-surgical options are usually considered in combination with surgery or as monotherapy only if patients are surgically unfit. The decision for optimal treatment of staghorn stones should be individualized according to the circumstances of the patient involved and in order to do so, a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of each option is necessary.

Complicaciones anestésicas intraoperatorias y posoperatorias de la nefrolitotomía percutánea en pacientes con litiasis coraliforme / Intraoperative and postoperative anesthesia-related complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in patients with coraliform lithiasis

Introducción: En la actualidad la litiasis renal constituye entre el 20 y el 30 por ciento de las consultas de urología en el mundo. Objetivos: Identificar las complicaciones intra- y posoperatorias de la nefrolitotomía percutánea en pacientes con litiasis coraliforme. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo en pacientes con diagnóstico de litiasis coraliforme ingresados para nefrolitotomía percutánea electiva en el Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Hermanos Ameijeiras entre octubre 2010 y entre octubre 2015. Resultados: Se identificaron 32 pacientes con complicaciones intra y posoperatorias. Del sexo masculino fueron 68,7 por ciento. La media de la edad fue 47,59 ± 12,2 años. La clasificación ASA más frecuente fue ASA II en 56,2 por ciento. Todos los pacientes recibieron anestesia general. El valor medio de pérdidas hemáticas intraoperatorias fue de 650,00 ± 413,09 mL. La reposición total de volumen fue de 10, 107,80 ± 2, 659,25 mL. Se administró cloro sodio al 0,9 por ciento 7743,75 ± 2007,39 mL y concentrado de hematíes a 18,8 por ciento del total. Las complicaciones intraoperatorias se presentaron en 24 pacientes 75,0 por ciento. De ellas las más frecuentes fueron las metabólicas, cardiovasculares, respiratorias y renales. La hipotermia estuvo presente en la tercera parte de los enfermos. Las complicaciones posoperatorio se presentaron en 23 pacientes 71,9 por ciento. De ellas, cardiovasculares, respiratorias, renales y sépticas fueron las más frecuentes. Conclusiones: Las complicaciones fueron frecuentes y graves; sin embargo, se logró un porcentaje importante de pacientes egresados curados(AU)

Introduction: Renal lithiasis currently accounts for 20-30 percent of urology consultations worldwide. Objectives: To identify the intra- and postoperative complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in patients with staghorn lithiasis. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted in patients with a diagnosis of staghorn lithiasis and admitted for elective percutaneous nephrolithotomy Hermanos Ameijeiras Clinical-Surgical Hospital between October 2010 and October 2015. Results: We identified 32 patients with intra- and postoperative complications. The male sex was represented by the 68.7 percent. The mean age was 47.59±12.2 years. The most frequent ASA classification was ASA II, accounting for 56.2 percent. All patients received general anesthesia. The mean value of intraoperative hematic losses was 650.00±413.09 mL. Total volume replacement was 10, 107.80±2, 659.25 mL. Chloride sodium 0.9 percent was administered at doses 7743.75±2007.39 mL and packed red blood cells to 18.8 percent of the total. Intraoperative complications occurred in 24 patients, accounting for 75.0 percent. Of these, the most frequent were metabolic, cardiovascular, respiratory and renal. Hypothermia was present in one third of the patients. Postoperative complications occurred in 23 patients, accounting for 71.9 percent. Of these, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and septic were the most frequent. Conclusions: The complications were frequent and serious. However, an important percentage number was achieved for cured discharge patients(AU)

External validation and comparison of the scoring systems (S.T.O.N.E, GUY, CROES, S-ReSC) for predicting percutaneous nephrolithotomy outcomes for staghorn stones: A single center experience with 160 cases.

The aim of this study was validation and comparison of stone scoring systems (S.T.O.N.E, GUY, CROES, S-ReSC) used to predict postoperative stone-free status and complications after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for staghorn stones. A total of 160 patients who had staghorn renal stones and underwent PCNL between January 2012 and August 2015 were included in the current retrospective study. Guy, S.T.O.N.E., S-ReSC (Seoul National University Renal Stone Complexity) and CROES (Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society) nephrolithometry scores were calculated for each patient, and their potential association with stone-free status, operative and fluoroscopy time, and length of hospital stay (LOS) were evaluated. Postoperative complications were graded according to the modified Clavien classification, and the correlation of scoring systems with postoperative complications was also investigated. The mean CROES, S.T.O.N.E, Guy and S-ReSC scores were 143.5 ± 33.6, 9.7 ± 1.6, 3.5 ± 0.5 and 6.2 ± 2.0 respectively. The overall stone-free rate was 59%. All scoring systems were significantly correlated with stone-free status in univariate analysis. However, Guy and S-ReSC scores were the only significant independent predictor in multivariate analysis. And all four nomograms failed to predict complication rates. Current study demonstrated that Guy and S-ReSC scoring systems could effectively predict postoperative stone-free status for staghorn stones. However all four scoring systems failed to predict complication rates.

Prognostic Impact of Stone-Scoring Systems After Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy for Staghorn Calculi: A Single Center's Experience Over 10 Years.

INTRODUCTION: To investigate the prognostic factors associated with stone-free rate (SFR) and complications after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for the treatment of staghorn stone and to compare the predictive value and accuracy of three stone-scoring systems for the treatment success of staghorn stone. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing PCNL at our center from June 2003 to June 2014. On the basis of noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) scan images, we calculated Guy's score, S.T.O.N.E. nephrolithometry, and Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society (CROES) nomogram to assess the association with stone-free status and complications. For statistical evaluation, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used. RESULTS: During the study period, 886 cases had medical records available. Cases who underwent PCNL for the treatment of staghorn calculi accounted for 34.4% (305/886 cases). Preoperative NCCT was performed in 217 cases. The 217 procedures (205 patients, 12 simultaneous bilateral PCNLs) had a mean stone size of 1358.3 ± 760.7 mm(2), with 111 (51.2%) partial staghorn and 106 (48.8%) complete staghorn stones. The initial and overall SFRs of PCNL were 53.9% and 70.1%, respectively. The overall complication rate was 32.7% (71/217 cases). On a multivariate logistic regression analysis, independent predictors for SFR were number of involved calices, S.T.O.N.E. nephrolithometry, and pre-existent urinary tract infection (UTI) (odds ratios [ORs] = 1.311, 1.933, and 2.340, respectively). Stone burden was an independent risk factor for the development of complications on multivariate analysis (OR = 2.846 and p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that multiple involved calices, high grades of S.T.O.N.E. nephrolithometry, and pre-existent UTIs were associated with lower SFR after PCNL for staghorn calculi. Stone burden was an independent risk factor for the development of complications.

Combined Use of Pyelolithotomy and Endoscopy: An Alternative Surgical Treatment for Staghorn Urolithiasis in Children.

PURPOSE: To present a combining pyelolithotomy and endoscopy, an alternative approach for treating staghorn calculi in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We treated 1414 children (age, 10 months to 17 years) with urolithiasis between 2009 and 2013 in the Pediatric Surgery Department and in the Pediatrics and Nephrology Department, Military Institute of Medicine in Warsaw. Most patients were treated conservatively. In 162 cases, an extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) procedure was needed. Surgery was only used in patients who had failed SWL. We performed minimally invasive procedures, ureterolithotripsy using semi-rigid and flexible ureterorenoscopes or percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in 126 patients. RESULTS: In the most serious cases of staghorn or multifocal calculi, we performed a combined operation of pyelolithotomy with endoscopic removal of concrements from all calyces of the diseased kidney. In 15 out of the 18 combination treatments (83.3%), concrements were completely removed from the kidney in a single procedure. In three cases, fine concrements (5 to 6 mm) remained after the procedure, and these were candidate for SWL. In one case, a boy aged 4 years, symptoms of infection in the urinary tract occurred 2 days after the procedure. CONCLUSION: Combining pyelolithotomy with endoscopy to remove concrements clears the diseased kidney without causing parenchymal damage in one procedure. The method is safe in children, does not require blood transfusion, and helps maintain kidney function.