International Alliance of Urolithiasis (IAU) guideline on staghorn calculi management.

BACKGROUND: The stone burden based management strategy reported in the guidelines published by different associations is well known for a long time. Staghorn calculi, representing the largest burden and most complex stones, is one of the most challenging cases to practicing urologists in clinical practice. The International Alliance of Urolithiasis (IAU) has released a series of guidelines on the management of urolithiasis. PURPOSE: To develop a series of recommendations for the contemporary management management of staghorn calculi and to provide a clinical framework for urologists treating patients with these complex stones. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search for articles published in English between 01/01/1976 and 31/12/2022 in the PubMed, OVID, Embase and Medline database is performed. A series of recommendations are developed and individually graded following the review of literature and panel discussion. RESULTS: The definition, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, preoperative evaluation, intraoperative treatment strategies and procedural advice, early postoperative management, follow up and prevention of stone recurrence are summarized in the present document. CONCLUSION: A series of recommendations regarding the management of staghorn calculi, along with related commentary and supporting documentation offered in the present guideline is intended to provide a clinical framework for the practicing urologists in the management of staghorn calculi.

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

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

A Rare Case of Retroperitoneal Abscess Caused by Nephro-Colic Fistula Resulting from Staghorn Calculus.

BACKGROUND Nephro-colic fistulas are uncommon, generally caused by local inflammation, trauma, or neoplasia affecting the kidney or the colon. Their association with a coralliform stone is described in a few case reports, but their management is difficult and differs quite a lot, depending on the clinical situation. We report an atypical clinical case of a reno-colic fistula associated with a staghorn calculus. This case adds to the literature an iconography rarely found. CASE REPORT A 68-year-old woman presented to the Emergency Department with respiratory symptoms and chronic abdominal pain. The biological results showed a high inflammatory syndrome. The radiological assessment revealed a retroperitoneal and left retro-renal abscess, attributed to a left nephro-colic fistula associated with the partial passage of a lithiasis within the colonic lumen. Colonoscopy confirmed the diagnosis. Multiple recurrences of diverticulitis in this region could be the origin of the complication. First, the patient was treated with antibiotic therapy and radiological drainage. Second, she benefited from a left nephrectomy, left segmental colectomy, and splenectomy. The clinical and radiological evolution were favorable after surgery. The follow-up was disrupted by hospitalizations in the Cardiology Department for cardiac decompensation. CONCLUSIONS Kidney stones along with local inflammatory phenomena can be the cause of a nephro-colic fistula. Due to the lack of guidelines in such cases, their diagnosis and management are difficult to ascertain. Surgery is the right course of treatment.

Advancements in Performance of Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in Ambulatory Surgery Centers: Outcomes and Lessons From 1250+ Cases.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of routine ambulatory percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in a freestanding ambulatory surgical center. METHODS: Patients were treated between 2015 and 2022 by one of three experienced endourologists in Maryland. The surgery center is free-standing, with the nearest hospital approximately 10 minutes away. Patient characteristics and surgical datapoints, including need for transfer, were gathered prospectively at the time of surgery. Subset analyses were performed in patients with staghorn calculi or elevated body mass index, as they represent higher-risk populations. RESULTS: A total of 1267 patients underwent ambulatory PCNL with a median stone diameter of 32 mm. The average recovery time was 87 minutes, with 1.7% of patients requiring transfer to the hospital, generally for postoperative hypotension or inadequate pain control. 166 patients with body mass index >40 were safely treated, with no significant difference in transfer rate (P = .5). 2.8% of patients had a complication, with the majority being Clavien-Dindo grade I or II. 88 patients with staghorn calculi were treated, with a 6% transfer rate. Staghorn calculi were the only factor found on multivariable analysis to be a significant predictor of transfer (OR 3.56 (1.17-10.82) P < .05). CONCLUSION: Ambulatory PCNL may safely be performed in a surgery center in most patients. These outcomes reflect the real-world experience of high-volume surgeons and demonstrate a multiyear paradigm shift in PCNL from an inpatient procedure to an outpatient procedure in a surgery center.

Pyelo-hepatic abscess caused by staghorn stone infection: a case report.

BACKGROUND: The most common source of pyogenic liver abscess is biliary tract infection. Other less common routes include the spread of bacteria from distant foci. However, direct extension of a perinephric infection focus to the liver is extremely rare. CASE REPORT: The patient was a non-diabetic, immunocompetent, 29-year-old woman of mixed race ancestry with a history of recurrent urinary tract infections who was referred to our hospital because of an ultrasound-detected liver abscess. She was initially treated with metronidazole for 20 days at the referring institution for suspected amebic abscess without improvement. On admission to our center, she was febrile and complained of a dull right upper quadrant pain. A POCUS ultrasound suggested a pyogenic abscess, probably from a staghorn calculus infection. She received meroperem and amikacin for 22 and 10 days, respectively. Repeat hemocultures showed no growth, but urine cultures were positive for Proteus sp. Complete remission of clinical and imaging findings was observed under antibiotics. The patient was referred to the urology outpatient clinic to discuss the option of radical nephrectomy. CONCLUSION : This case underlines the high morbidity of staghorn calculi.

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

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

Swiss LithoClast® Trilogy Lithotripter for Use in Robotic Pyelolithotomy.

Introduction: The Boston Scientific Swiss LithoClast® Trilogy lithotripter was intended for use in percutaneous nephrolithotomy. We performed, to our knowledge, the first two robotic pyelolithotomies using the Trilogy lithotripter for intracorporeal lithotripsy. Case Description: Two cases are presented involving a 65-year-old female with a complete left staghorn calculus and hydronephrosis secondary to a left ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction, and a 69-year-old male with a large left staghorn calculus and multiple large left sided simple renal cysts. In both cases, a robotic pyelolithotomy was scheduled for stone removal along with concurrent UPJ repair and cyst decortication respectively. Following pyeloplasty and cyst decortication respectively, and following stone visualization, the 2.4-mm Trilogy probe was inserted into the 12-mm assistant port and under direct visualization the stone was fragmented and removed using Trilogy's built-in mechanisms. Both patients were treated successfully without complications and were found to be stone-free on follow-up. Conclusion: The Trilogy lithotripter may be an effective tool for stone management when introduced during robotic pyelolithotomy and provides additional optionality when manual extraction poses challenges.

Endourological management of ureteric stump syndrome.

A man in his 50s presented with right flank pain and intermittent haematuria for 15 days. He was evaluated and diagnosed to have bilateral staghorn renal calculi with left poorly functioning kidney. He underwent right kidney stone clearance followed by laparoscopic left simple nephrectomy. Postoperatively, he developed recurrent urinary tract infections. On evaluation, non-contrast CT of the abdomen revealed calculus in left ureteral stump and he was diagnosed to have ureteric stump syndrome. He underwent ureteroscopy which revealed multiple stump calculi and complete stone clearance was achieved. Currently, the patient is asymptomatic and doing well after a follow-up of 1 year.

Providencia alcalifaciens in a patient with a staghorn calculus: a novel presentation.

A member of the Enterobacteriaceae family, Providencia alcalifaciens is typically recognized as a source of gastrointestinal illness. Although its pathogenicity is not well known, many studies have suggested its mechanism of action involves the invasion of the intestinal mucosal layer. Although P. alcalifaciens is a urease producing microorganism, it has not been associated with the formation of a staghorn calculus in the setting of a urinary tract infection. This organism is neither commonly pursued in research or investigation nor is it commonly tested for in the clinical setting. This is especially true when combined with other disease processes, such as calculus formation. The advancement of antibiotic resistance, such as carbapenemase-producing strains, should bring more attention and routine investigation to this organism in the acute stage of infection. In this case report we introduce a 43-year-old Cuban female, who presents with a left-sided staghorn calculi and urine culture positive for carbapenemase-producing P. alcalifaciens.

Anatomical approach to PCNL: concept of ideal puncture zone in a 3D perspective.

To describe a concept of ideal 'puncture zone' as against any single ideal 'puncture tract' for percutaneous nephro-lithotomy (PCNL) and present our results. Through this narrative, we aim to reduce the gaps in inter-understanding of an erstwhile description of ideal tract and real-life puncture making. The puncture zone principle was applied for our novel puncture making technique during PCNL. The largest imaginary cone that can fit into a respective calyx, with its tip in the pelvis defines the 'puncture zone' for that calyx. This concept allows fine-tuning of the ideal puncture tract based upon the desired corresponding manipulation zone and also shifts the focus of puncture making to infundibulum anatomy from the tip of calyx. The surgical technique and retrospective review of 136 cases done between 2015 and 2021 using this concept are presented. Primary outcome included stone-free rate, pseudo-aneurysm and blood transfusion at 3 months of follow-up. 33 cases had multiple (> 3) stones, 21 only calyceal/infundibular stones, eight partial staghorn and 12 were complete staghorn stones. Mean stone size was 29 ± 15 (Range: 5-53) mm. Complete clearance was achieved in 127 cases, four of which required two tracts. Blood transfusion was required in one case. No pseudo-aneurysms were encountered. The puncture zone concept has provided good results in our hands. It may help easier understanding of PCN puncture making and provides a background for reconciliation between description of an ideal tract and practical puncturing techniques used by different surgeons.

Comparison of the Conventional PNL with Ecirs in the Treatment of Complete Staghorn Kidney Stones.

OBJECTIVE:  To analyse the results of conventional percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) and endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS) in treating complete staghorn kidney calculi. STUDY DESIGN:  A comparative study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Urology, University of Health Sciences, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey, between January 2007 and January 2022. METHODOLOGY:  Clinical data and surgical outcomes of the adult patients who underwent conventional PNL or ECIRS were retrospectively reviewed. Two patient groups were compared regarding the fluoroscopy time, the number of access, surgical time, duration of hospitalisation, haemoglobin (Hb) reduction, complication, and stone-free rates.  Results: There were 132 renal units in the conventional PNL (Group 1) and 45 renal units in the ECIRS group (Group 2). The comparative analysis revealed that fluoroscopy time, surgical time, duration of hospital stay, number of access, and the Hb drop were significantly lower in the ECIRS group compared to the conventional PNL group. Although stone-free rates were 48.5% in Group 1 and 64.4% in Group 2, p=0.064 and p>0.05 respectively). The median value of the complication grade was 1 (1-7) in Group 1 and 1 (1-5) in Group 2, (U=2446.5, p=0.026).  Conclusion: The ECIRS is a successful and more secure surgical method for treating complete staghorn stones than PNL. KEY WORDS:  PNL, ECIRS, Staghorn, Kidney, Stone.

Nephrocolocutaneous fistula from a staghorn calculus.

Fistula formation between the kidney, colon and the skin is an extremely rare complication arising from renal infections secondary to renal stone formation. During the 1980s, reports of nephrocolic fistulas, with or without involvement of the skin, were commonly caused by genitourinary tuberculosis. Due to improvements in diagnosis and specifically the development of anti-Koch's therapy, the incidence of nephrocolic or nephrocolocutaneous fistulas has become uncommon especially in developed countries.We report a case of a patient residing in a developing country, presenting with a 20-year history of a left flank lesion extruding minimal purulent output daily. He was seen at the emergency department due to weakness and was managed as a case of urosepsis. Contrast-enhanced CT scan and fistulogram showed a staghorn calculus in the left kidney with connections to the descending colon and skin. The patient eventually underwent a left hemicolectomy with en bloc excision of the kidney and fistula tract.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Calico-venous fistulae: an intrarenal complication of percutaneous nephrolithotomy].

Bleeding is a serious complication of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). A rare cause of gross hematuria is a calico-venous fistula. A clinical case of successful intraoperative diagnosis and treatment of calico-venous fistula during PCNL is presented in the article. Description of a clinical case. A patient J., 53 years old, underwent examination and treatment at the Institute of Urology and Reproductive Health, FGAOU VO I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University with a diagnosis of staghorn stone of the right kidney, a stone of the left kidney, chronic right-side pyelonephritis. On June 15, 2021, mini-PCNL was performed for the staghorn stone of the right kidney. The procedure seemed to be unremarkable, but during intraoperative antegrade pyelography, the inflow of contrast agent from the lower calyxes into the posterior segmental vein of the right kidney was detected, which was managed by creating sufficient traction of the nephrostomy drainage. Communication of the collecting and venous systems of the kidney is associated with a risk of both severe gross hematuria and urine flow into the venous bed. The urine flow into the bloodstream may result in hemodynamic disturbances, up to collapse followed by cardiac arrest. In order to prevent complications of PCNL it is necessary to analyze the kidney anatomy based on three-dimensional modeling of contrast- enhanced computed tomography. A calicovenous fistula can be a source of risk of bleeding and severe complications. To minimize intraoperative damage to parenchymal structures, an analysis of three-dimensional modeling of a kidney in patients with staghorn calculus based on computed tomography is required, which allows rational planning of surgical tactics.

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

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

Nonpapillary prone endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery: effectiveness, safety and tips, and tricks.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of nonpapillary prone endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS) and provide practical tips and tricks for the successful accomplishment of the procedure respecting the anatomical particularities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study is an analysis of a prospectively collected database including all cases of ECIRS performed between January 2019 and December 2021 in a high-volume tertiary center. All patients underwent the procedure in prone-split leg position. A nonpapillary renal puncture was performed. The used access sheaths were 22Fr or 30Fr. Lithotripsy was performed anterogradely with a dual-energy lithotripter with incorporated suction and retrogradely with holmium Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet laser. RESULTS: A total of 33 patients were included. The initial stone-free rate (SFR) was 84.8% and the final SFR was 90.9%. The median stone size was 35 mm and 60% of patients had staghorn calculi. The prevalence of renal abnormalities was 21.3%, including 3 cases of horseshoe kidney, 2 cases of malrotation and 2 cases with complete duplicated systems. The median operative time was 47 min. The median hospital stay was 3 days and median hemoglobin loss was 1.2 gr/dL. Overall, the complication rate was 9.1%, all being Grade II complications (n = 2 fever and n = 1 transient bleeding). CONCLUSIONS: Nonpapillary prone ECIRS is an effective and safe procedure. Standardization of the procedure is critical to achieve good outcomes. Patients who benefit the most are probably the ones where additional punctures can be avoided using this technique, namely patients with renal abnormalities, incrusted ureteral stents and staghorn stones.