A randomized trial of holmium laser vs thulium laser vs bipolar enucleation of large prostate glands.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcome and morbidity of bipolar transurethral enucleation of the prostate (B-TUEP) and thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuLEP) with those of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) in the treatment of large symptomatic benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) through a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial (NCT03916536). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 155 patients were recruited from a single centre between February 2019 and August 2020. All had BPO, with a prostate volume ≥80 ml. Patients were randomly assigned to HoLEP, ThuLEP or B-TUEP using computer-generated random tables in a 1:1:1 ratio. Participants, investigators and surgeons were blinded to group assignment until the date of the operation. Thereafter, the patients were followed up at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. The primary outcome was maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax ) at 6 months. Secondary outcomes included assessment of other functional urinary variables, peri-operative records, and adverse events. RESULTS: There were 138 and 120 patients available for analysis at 6 and 12 months. There was no significant difference in Qmax between the groups at 6 and 12 months (P = 0.4 and P = 0.7, respectively), and no significant difference regarding International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL) or postvoid residual urine volume (PVR). The median (interquartile range) prostate-specific antigen (PSA) reductions (ng/ml) were similar in the three groups at last follow-up point (4.7 [2.2-7.1]; 5.6 [2.3-9.5] and 5 [3.4-10] after HoLEP, ThuLEP and B-TUEP, respectively). Differences in enucleation time, enucleation efficiencies and auxiliary manoeuvres were statistically insignificant (P = 0.1, 0.8 and 0.07, respectively). At 1 year, patients with prostate volumes >120 ml showed significant IPSS improvement in favour of HoLEP and ThuLEP (P = 0.01). Low- and high-grade adverse effects were recorded in 31 and five cases, respectively, with no statistically significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that ThuLEP and B-TUEP are as safe and effective as HoLEP for the treatment of large-sized BPO. Significant PSA reductions indicate that there was effective adenoma enucleation with all three approaches. The study provides objective evidence that endoscopic enucleation of the prostate is a technique rather than energy dependent procedure.

Development and validation of a simple stone score to estimate the probability of residual stones prior to percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to develop and internally validate a simple stone score (SSS) to estimate the probability of clinically significant residual fragments (CSRF) prior to percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL). METHODS: The files of 1170 PNL procedures between January and December 2015 were evaluated. CT-derived stone characteristics were examined. Caliceal stone distribution (CSD) was assigned three grades based on the number of calices involved regardless of the renal pelvis (I = no or single calix; II = more than one calix; and III = more than 2 calices or complete staghorn stones). CSRF was defined as any residuals >4 mm in postoperative CT. A logistic regression model to predict the CSRF was fitted, and coefficients were used to develop the SSS. The SSS was validated by discrimination, calibration, and decision curve analysis (DCA). RESULTS: Patients' data were split into training (936, 80%) and validating (234, 20%) datasets. In the training partition, independent predictors of CSRF were CSD-grade II (OR: 4.2; 95%CI: 2.5-7; P<0.001), grade III (OR: 7.8; 95%CI: 4.2-14.4; P<0.001) and largest stone diameter (LSD) (OR:1.3; 95%CI: 1.1-1.6; P<0.001). Score points 0, 1, 2, and 0, 3, 9 were given to LSD<30, 30-40, >40 mm, and CSD grades I, II, III, respectively. Discrimination of the SSS was 0.79 and after 10-fold cross-validation and internal validation was 0.86. The calibration plot and DCA highlighted the validity and clinical significance of the SSS. CONCLUSIONS: The novel SSS could be used to describe the risk of CSRF prior to PNL. Further studies are invited for external validation.

Preoperative risk factors for complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

This study was conducted to evaluate preoperative risk factors for development of complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). All consecutive patients aged ≥ 16 years who underwent PCNL during 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Non-contrast CT (NCCT) was performed for all patients to evaluate stone complexity. The technique of PCNL was the same for all patients. Intra-operative and postoperative complications were recorded and classified based on modified Clavien system. The differences in preoperative data (patients, renal and stone characteristics including Guy's and STONE scores) between complicated and uncomplicated cases were compared using univariate and multivariate statistical analyses for detection of independent risk factors. The study included 1178 patients (61% were males). Mean age was 50 ± 12 years, and mean BMI was 30.7 ± 5.7 kg/m2. Complicated group included 166 patients (14.1%). Independent risk factors on multivariate analysis were infected preoperative urine culture (RR: 2.098, P 0.001, 95%CI: 1.380-3.189), largest stones diameter 30 mm or more (RR: 2.481, P > 0.001, 95%CI: 1.697-3.627) and number of calyces affected by the stones (RR: 2.431, P 0.002, 95%CI: 1.400-4.222 for affection of two calyces and RR: 2.778, P 0.005, 95%CI: 1.357-5.684 for affection of three calyces). While two scoring systems (Guy's and STONE) were not predictive of complications after PCNL, preoperative risk factors were infected preoperative urine culture, distribution of the stones or stone branches in two or three calyceal groups and stone size 30 mm or more.

Single Versus Maintenance Intravesical Chemotherapy for the Prevention of Bladder Recurrence after Radical Nephroureterectomy for Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to determine the efficiency of 1-year maintenance intravesical chemotherapy (MIC) in reducing bladder recurrence (BR) after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for upper tract urothelial carcinoma compared with single intravesical instillation (SIC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2015 and May 2017, patients who underwent RNU were randomized to receive SIC (epirubicin 50 mg) or MIC (once weekly for 6 weeks plus once monthly for 1 year). The primary outcome was the rate of histologically proven BR. The secondary outcomes included chemotherapy-related toxicities and disease-specific survival (DSS). Thirty-five patients in each arm were required to achieve a power of 80%. RESULTS: A total of 38 (SIC) and 36 (MIC) patients were analyzed. In SIC, BR developed in 5 (13.2%) over a median follow-up of 3 months (range, 3-6 months) compared with 9 (25%) patients over 12 months (range, 3-28 months) in MIC (P = .08). The 6- and 12-month BR-free survivals were the same (86.8%) in SIC versus 88.9% and 83.3% in MIC, respectively (P = .2). Lymphovascular invasion was significantly associated with BR (P = .04). Post-RNU intravesical chemotherapy regimens did not alter DSS. Blood transfusion and advanced tumor stage were independent predictors for DSS. No significant medication toxicity was reported. CONCLUSIONS: Following RNU, MIC did not change the natural course of BR beyond a single instillation apart from potentially delaying its occurrence. Lymphovascular invasion and blood transfusion were associated with worse BR and DSS outcomes, respectively.

Erectile and ejaculatory functions changes following bipolar versus monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate: a prospective randomized study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare monopolar and bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate (M-TURP and B-TURP, respectively) focusing on erectile and ejaculatory functions in a randomized trial. METHODS: Between January 2013 and December 2014, all consecutive TURP candidates with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were prospectively randomized 1:1 into M-TURP/B-TURP arms and followed up at 2, and 4 weeks, 6 and 12 months after surgery. All patients were assessed using IIEF-15 (International index of erectile function-15) and Ej-MSHQ (ejaculatory domain-male sexual-health inventory). Changes in IIEF-15, its subdomains and Ej-MSHQ scores were compared between both intervention groups. RESULTS: Following M.TURP and B.TURP; 122 and 124 patients were included respectively and were considered for analysis at 1 year. Sexual function did not differ significantly between arms during follow-up (erectile function, P = 0.82; orgasmic function, P = 0.46; sexual desire, P = 0.29; intercourse satisfaction, P = 0.18; overall satisfaction, P = 0.92). There were no differences between arms in the distribution of EF evolution at any time compared with base line (at 12 months: M-TURP vs. B-TURP = improved, 24.5 vs. 26.6%; stable, 66.4 vs. 64.5%; deteriorated, 9.1 vs. 8.9%; P = 0.41). Newly developed erectile dysfunction (ED) was present in 8.2 and 7.3% of patients following M.TURP and B.TURP respectively and was related to presence of DM and obesity. Orgasm perception significantly reduced following M.TURP and B.TURP (P < 0.001). Newly reported ejaculatory dysfunction (Ej-MSHQ < 22) was significantly associated with low orgasm perception. CONCLUSIONS: There were no differences between M-TURP/B-TURP in any aspect of sexual function.

Low-Power Vs High-Power Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate: Critical Assessment through Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the non-inferiority of Low-power Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (LP-HoLEP) to high-power (HP-HoLEP) for enucleation efficiency pertaining to the advantages of lower cost and minimal postoperative dysuria, storage symptoms, and negative sexual impact. PATIENTS AND METHODS: HoLEP was performed using 100W Versapulse, Luminis Inc., with 2J/25Hz for LP-HoLEP (61 patients) and 2J/50Hz for HP-HoLEP (60 patients). Two surgeons with different experience performed equal number of both procedures. Non-inferiority of enucleation efficiency (enucleated weight/min) was evaluated. All perioperative parameters were recorded and compared. Dysuria was assessed at 2 weeks by dysuria visual analog scale, urinary (Q.max and IPSS) and sexual (sexual health inventory for men score) outcome measures were evaluated at 1, 4, and 12 months. RESULTS: Baseline and perioperative parameters were comparable between the two groups. Mean enucleation efficiency was 1.42±0.6 vs 1.47±0.6 gm/min, P = .6 following LP-HoLEP and HP-HoLEP, respectively. Patients reported postoperative dysuria similarly in both groups as per dysuria visual analog scale. There was significant comparable improvement in IPSS (international prostate symptom score) and Q.max in both groups at different follow-up points. At one year, median IPSS and Q.max were comparable in both groups (P = .4 and .7 following LP-HoLEP and HP-HoLEP, respectively). Median postoperative reduction in prostate specific antigen was 89% (42:99) following LP-HoLEP vs 81% (62:94) after HP-HoLEP, P = .92. Both groups showed comparable perioperative and late postoperative complications. There were no statistically significant changes in the last follow-up sexual health inventory for men score in comparison to baseline score. CONCLUSION: LP-HoLEP is non-inferior to HP-HoLEP in terms of all efficiency parameters regardless level of surgeon experience.

A randomized controlled trial comparing antimicrobial (silver sulfadiazine)-coated ureteral stents with non-coated stents.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of antimicrobial [silver sulfadiazine (SSD)]-coated ureteral stents with non-coated stents in the prevention of stent-related bacteriuria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted between September 2014 and September 2016 after approval from the local ethics committee. Inclusion criteria were adults who underwent unilateral double-J ureteral stent placement after ureteroscopic lithotripsy. All patients underwent placement of the same stent type (Carbothan® with hydrophilic surface) and dimensions (6 F, 26 cm). In the test group, stents were coated with SSD. Patients who used antibiotics during the stenting period or underwent stent removal elsewhere were excluded from the study. Urine and stent cultures were obtained on the day of stent removal. All patients answered the Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ). RESULTS: The study included 126 patients. The mean ± SD stent duration was 3.1 ± 1.2 weeks. There were no significant differences between groups in the incidence of bacteriuria and USSQ scores. However, two stents (3.2%) in the SSD group had significant bacterial growth, compared to eight stents (12.5%) in the control group (p = 0.054). The incidence of newly diagnosed bacteriuria was higher in the control group (11%) than the antimicrobial group (6.5%), but the difference was not significant (p = 0.372). CONCLUSIONS: This study could not justify the use of antimicrobial (SSD)-coated stents for short stenting periods. The trend towards decreasing stent colonization in the antimicrobial group was not translated to a significantly lower incidence of stent-related bacteriuria or improvement in patients' quality of life.

Prospective controlled assessment of men's sexual function changes following Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate for treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVES: To assess how much Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is detrimental on men sexuality. METHODS: Between January and December 2013, all patients presented for BPH surgery were assessed using IIEF-15 (international index of erectile function-15) and Ej-MSHQ (ejaculatory domain-male sexual health questionnaire). Changes in men's sexuality following HoLEP in relation to control procedure were prospectively assessed. Intervention group included legible consecutive patients treated by HoLEP. Control group included legible patients presented for diagnostic cystoscopy. Changes in IIEF-15, its subdomains and Ej-MSHQ scores were compared between HoLEP group and control. RESULTS: At one year 80 and 70 subjects were included for final analysis following HoLEP and control groups, respectively. Regardless of the baseline erectile function (EF/IIEF) score, there was an increase in EF score similar to control following HoLEP (P = 0.6). However, among subjects with normal preoperative EF (score >25), in comparison with control, there was similar decline in EF score following HoLEP (P = 0.07). Regarding the orgasm domain, there was a significant reduction in orgasm perception following HoLEP in relation to control (P = 0.01). Patients reported desire changes, intercourse satisfaction and overall satisfaction scores similar to control following HoLEP. Using Ej-MSHQ score, there was no statistically significant difference between HoLEP and control groups in percentage of subjects reporting ejaculatory dysfunction at baseline. However, at 12 months, there was statistically significant more ejaculatory dysfunction reporting following HoLEP. The most common ejaculatory abnormality was volume abnormality. Orgasm perception was significantly decreased among subjects with newly reported ejaculatory dysfunction (5.3 ± 1.4 vs. 8.6 ± 1.3, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Controlled short-term assessment of HoLEP showed potential negative impact on EF in patients with normal preoperative EF. Apart from orgasm perception, sexual function changes following HoLEP were similar to control. High prevalence of postoperative ejaculatory dysfunction following HoLEP remained notable finding.

Corrigendum to "Percutaneous nephrolithotomy for treating staghorn stones: 10 years of experience of a tertiary-care centre" [Arab J. Urol. 10 (2012) 324-329].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.aju.2012.03.002.].

Long-term functional outcome of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in solitary kidney.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term functional outcome of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) for calculi in solitary kidneys and to determine factors leading to renal function deterioration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The computerized files of patients with solitary kidneys who underwent PNL between January 2002 and December 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with follow-up <2 years were excluded. Complications, secondary procedures, and stone-free rates were recorded. Changes in the renal function were judged by comparing preoperative and postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rates. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors that may affect renal function were tested using univariate and multivariate analyses to define risk factors for deterioration of renal function on long-term follow-up. RESULTS: The study included 200 patients (133 men [66.5%] and 67 women [33.5%] with mean age 52.3 ± 11.7 years). Complications were reported in 34 patients (17%). Severe bleeding was noticed in 10 patients (5%). The overall stone-free rate was 89.5%. After a mean follow-up of 3 ± 1.4 years (range, 2-8), there was significant improvement of the estimated glomerular filtration rate from 57 to 64 mL/min (P <.001). Thirty-one patients (15.5%) showed deterioration of the renal function. Multiple punctures and postoperative bleeding were independent risk factors for renal function deterioration (odds ratio was 3.7 and 4.5, respectively). CONCLUSION: PNL for calculi in solitary kidneys provided significant improvement in renal function at long-term follow-up. Multiple punctures and severe bleeding are independent risk factors for deterioration of the kidney function.

Factors affecting stone-free rate and complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy for treatment of staghorn stone.

OBJECTIVE: To determine factors affecting the stone-free rate and complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) for treatment of staghorn stones. METHODS: The computerized database of patients who underwent PNL for treatment of staghorn stones between January 2003 and January 2011 was reviewed. All perioperative complications were recorded and classified according to modified Clavien classification system. The stone-free rate was evaluated with low-dose noncontrast computed tomography (CT). Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed to determine factors affecting stone-free and complication rates. RESULTS: The study included 241 patients (125 male and 116 female) with a mean age of 48.7 ±14.3 years. All patients underwent 251 PNL (10 patients had bilateral stones). The stone-free rate of PNL monotherapy was 56% (142 procedures). At 3 months, the stone-free rate increased to 73% (183 kidneys) after shock wave lithotripsy. Independent risk factors for residual stones were complete staghorn stone and presence of secondary calyceal stones (relative risks were 2.2 and 3.1, respectively). The complication rate was 27% (68 PNL). Independent risk factors for development of complications were performance of the procedure by urologists other than experienced endourologist and positive preoperative urine culture (relative risks were 2.2 and 2.1, respectively). CONCLUSION: Factors affecting the incidence of residual stones after PNL are complete staghorn stones and the presence of secondary calyceal stones. Complications are significantly high if PNL is not performed by an experienced endourologist or if preoperative urine culture is positive.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy for treating staghorn stones: 10 years of experience of a tertiary-care centre.

OBJECTIVE: To present the results of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for treating staghorn stones. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A database was compiled from the computerised files of patients who underwent PCNL for staghorn stones between 1999 and 2009. The study included 238 patients (128 males and 110 females) with a mean (SD) age of 48.9 (14) years, who underwent 242 PCNLs, and included staghorn stones that were present in the renal pelvis and branched into two or more major calyces. PCNL was performed or supervised by an experienced endourologist. All perioperative complications were recorded. The stone-free status was evaluated after PCNL and again after 3 months. RESULTS: Multiple tracts were needed in 35.5% of the procedures, and several sessions of PCNL were needed in 30% of patients. There were perioperative complications in 54 procedures (22%); blood transfusion was needed in 34 patients (14%). The stone-free rate for PCNL monotherapy was 56.6% (137 patients). Secondary procedures were required for 51 patients (21%), and included shock-wave lithotripsy for 49 and ureteroscopy for two. The 3-month stone-free rate was 72.7% (176 patients). Multiple tracts resulted in an insignificantly higher overall complication rate than with a single tract (P = 0.219), but the reduction in the haemoglobin level was statistically significant with multiple tracts (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: PCNL for staghorn stones must be done by an experienced endourologist in a specialised centre with all the facilities for stone management and treatment of possible complications. The patients must be informed about the range of stone-free and complication rates, and the possibility of multiple sessions or secondary procedures.

Long-term results of percutaneous nephrolithotomy for treatment of staghorn stones.

OBJECTIVE: • To study long-term results of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) for treatment of staghorn stones. PATIENTS AND METHODS: • The records of patients who underwent PNL for staghorn stones between January 1998 and January 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. • Patients who completed follow-up for one year or more were included. Follow-up with KUB and renal ultrasonography were performed every 3-6 months. • Renal radioisotopic scan was performed for patients who had already undergone this study before doing PNL. RESULTS: • The study included 122 patients (69 male and 53 female) with mean age 47.6 ± 14.5 years (5-74). They underwent 126 PNL. • Perioperative complications were encountered in 28 procedures (22%). The mean period of follow-up was 3.5 ± 2.3 years (1-11.3). Among 71 stone-free kidneys, 18 (25%) developed stone recurrence. Of 55 kidneys with residuals at the start of follow-up, 36 (65%) showed growth of these residuals. • Preoperative and postoperative renograms were performed for 71 patients. • At the last follow-up, differential GFR was stable in 53 (74.5%), improved in 12 (17%) and deteriorated in 6 (8.5%). Among patients with deteriorated renal function, 3 had undergone embolization to control severe bleeding, one developed secondary UPJO, and one had recurrent stone obstructing the kidney. CONCLUSION: • Long-term functional results of PNL for staghorn stones are satisfactory as 91.5% of kidneys showed stable or improved GFR. Long-term follow-up is mandatory especially for patients with residual stones.

Bilateral same-session ureteroscopy for treatment of ureteral calculi: critical analysis of risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: To determine factors affecting the success of bilateral same-session ureteroscopy (BSU) in the treatment of ureteral calculi. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From January 2003 to December 2008, BSU was carried out in 89 patients (178 renal units). A successful outcome was considered when both ureters were free of stones without intraoperative complications. Stone-free rate was evaluated with a kidney-ureter-bladder plain X-ray or non-contrast computed tomography. Factors interfering with successful completion of BSU were tested using univariate (chi-squared test and t test) and multivariate (logistic regression) analyses. Data on unilateral ureteroscopy for the treatment of multiple ureteral calculi carried out in 105 patients during the same period were compared with BSU. RESULTS: Intraoperative complications were recorded in 11 procedures (6.2%) in the form of ureteral perforation in three and mucosal injury in eight. After BSU, 153 renal units were stone free (86%) as 17 had residual fragments, stones migrated to the kidney in six and failure was encountered in two. A successful outcome was observed in 62 patients (70%). Stone impaction, stones located in the proximal ureter and stone surface area were the significant risk factors for unsuccessful BSU (relative risks 3.6, 3.3 and 1.47, respectively). Compared with unilateral ureteroscopy, no difference were found with regard to complication rate (6.7%, p = 0.5) or stone-free rate (80%, p = 0.2). CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral same-session ureteroscopy is a safe and effective procedure in the management of bilateral ureteral stones. Proximal ureteral calculi, large and impacted stones carry the highest risk of unsuccessful results.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy for management of upper urinary tract calculi in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the role of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in management of the patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease and associated nephrolithiasis. METHODS: A total of 19 patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease and upper urinary tract stones were included in the study. One patient had bilateral renal stones. Most of the stones were located in the renal pelvis and/or calices with a stone size >2 cm in the largest diameter. All patients were treated by percutaneous nephrolithotomy at 2 centers. Therefore, 20 percutaneous nephrolithotomy procedures were performed. Most of the procedures were performed in 1 stage by the urology team under fluoroscopic guidance; 6 cases were done in 2 stages. The success rate and morbidity and mortality of the technique and hospital stay were recorded. RESULTS: The pelvicaliceal system was successfully approached in all cases but 1. The overall stone-free rate was 89.4%. Renal function improved in the patients who presented with azotemia and was stable in the others. No patient died. Complications occurred in 3 procedures and consisted of mild postoperative hematuria in 1, bleeding through the nephrostomy tube in 1, and low-grade fever in 1. The mean hospital stay was 3 days. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is a safe and effective method for the treatment of patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease and associated upper urinary tract stones.

Shock wave lithotripsy versus semirigid ureteroscopy for proximal ureteral calculi (<20 mm): a comparative matched-pair study.

OBJECTIVES: To use a matched-pair analysis design to compare the safety and efficacy of shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) and ureteroscopy (URS). Controversy still exists regarding whether SWL or URS is the best management of upper ureteral calculi. METHODS: We reviewed the records of patients with a single radiopaque upper ureteral stone treated by URS or SWL from January 2003 to December 2005. SWL was performed as an outpatient procedure using the electromagnetic lithotripter (Dornier Lithotripter S). URS was performed using an 8F or 8.5F semirigid ureteroscope. Intracorporeal lithotripsy with pneumatic or holmium laser energy was used when needed. A matched-pair analysis was performed using 3 parameters (sex, stone size, and degree of hydronephrosis). The success rates, retreatment rates, auxiliary procedures, and complications were compared in each group. RESULTS: A total of 427 patients were treated for upper ureteral stones. Forty-three matched pairs were identified and compared. The success rate was 83.7% for SWL vs 88.4% for URS (P = .8). The retreatment rate was significantly greater in the SWL group than in the URS group (65% vs 2.3%, respectively; P < .001). The need for auxiliary procedures was equal in both groups (16.3%). The complication rate was 14% in the URS group and 4.7% in the SWL group (P = .1). CONCLUSIONS: SWL and semirigid URS are highly effective in the treatment of proximal ureteral stones <20 mm. The results of our study showed that SWL was safer and less invasive, but that URS was more effective and resulted in a lower retreatment rate.

Semirigid ureteroscopy for ureteral stones: a multivariate analysis of unfavorable results.

PURPOSE: We determined the factors predicting unfavorable results of semirigid ureteroscopy for ureteral calculi. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the computerized files of 841 patients who underwent a total of 908 ureteroscopic procedures for ureteral stones from January 2003 through December 2006. A semirigid 6/7.5Fr ureteroscope was used in pediatric patients and an 8/10Fr or 8.5/11.5Fr ureteroscope was used in adults. Patients with favorable results were those who became stone-free after a single ureteroscopic procedure without any complications. They were compared with patients who had unfavorable results using univariate (chi-square and t tests) and multivariate (logistic regression) statistical tests to identify risk factors for unfavorable results. RESULTS: The study included 567 males and 274 females with a mean age of 48.5 years (range 2 to 81). The complication rate was 6.7% (61 procedures). The stone-free rate after a single ureteroscopic intervention was 87% (791 procedures). Favorable results were documented in 751 procedures (82.7%). Significant factors for unfavorable results were proximal ureteral stones, ureteroscopy done by surgeons other than experienced endourologists, stone impaction and stone width (relative risk 4, 2.5, 1.8 and 1.2, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Semirigid ureteroscopy is a safe and highly effective treatment modality for ureteral stones.

Safety and efficacy of supracostal percutaneous nephrolithotomy in pediatric patients.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the supracostal approach for percutaneous nephrolithotomy in pediatric patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 60 percutaneous nephrolithotomy procedures done in 50 children (32 boys and 18 girls) between 2000 and 2007. Mean patient age was 7 +/- 4 years (range 9 months to 14 years). Noncontrast computerized tomography was the primary radiological investigation for most of the cases. The subcostal approach was used in 40 procedures, and the supracostal approach (above the 12th rib) was required in 20. We compared both approaches regarding preoperative characteristics, stone-free and complication rates, and the need for auxiliary procedures. RESULTS: The preoperative characteristics of the patients, urinary tracts and stones were comparable for both treatment groups. There were no major complications. Significant bleeding requiring blood transfusion was observed in 3 patients (5%), transient fever in 3 (5%) and urinary leakage through the nephrostomy site in 3 (5%). The distribution of complications among subcostal and supracostal approaches was comparable. Of the 60 renal units 46 (77%) were stone-free after percutaneous nephrolithotomy at discharge from the hospital. Of the remaining 14 units 9 (15%) were stone-free after shock wave lithotripsy and 5 (8%) had insignificant residual stones. Therefore, the overall stone-free rate at 3 months was 92.5%. Comparing the subcostal and supracostal approaches, there were no significant differences between hospital stays, complication rates, unplanned auxiliary procedures, and stone-free rates at discharge home and at 3-month followup. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy for treating renal stones in children provides a high degree of safety and efficacy whether a supracostal or subcostal approach is used.

Functional and morphological effects of postpercutaneous nephrolithotomy superselective renal angiographic embolization.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the functional and morphological effects of postpercutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) superselective renal angiographic embolization. METHODS: Between January 1995 and March 2006, superselective renal angiography was needed to control severe bleeding after 41 of 4095 PCNL procedures (1%). We evaluated the short-term effects of embolization after 3 months with renal ultrasonography (RUS), dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal scan, and estimation of serum creatinine. We evaluated long-term morphological and functional effects with RUS, DMSA renal scan, and excretory urography (IVU). RESULTS: Bleeding was controllable with superselective embolization in 38 patients (93%). Six of them developed early postembolization complications, in the form of perinephric hematoma in 4 and urinary leakage in 2 patients. At 3 months, serum creatinine levels increased in 3 of 9 patients with a solitary kidney, but none required renal replacement therapy. Long-term follow-up was completed for 30 patients for a mean period of 3.9 +/- 2.3 years. We performed IVU for 27 patients. Among them, 2 renal units (7%) showed no dye excretion. DMSA scans showed homogeneous distribution of radiotracer with no evidence of photopenic areas in 6 renal units (20%). The mean percentage of DMSA uptake by the corresponding kidney improved from 25 +/- 9% at the 3-month scans to 34 +/- 11% at the last follow-up scans (P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The short-term deleterious effects of superselective renal embolization for post-PCNL renal vascular injuries were more pronounced in patients with a solitary kidney. However, the long-term follow-up showed functional and morphological improvements.

Combination of laparoscopy and nephroscopy for treatment of stones in pelvic ectopic kidneys.

PURPOSE: To present the combination of laparoscopy and nephroscopy for the treatment of stones in pelvic ectopic kidneys. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The series included seven male and four female patients (mean age 43 +/- 9 years). Laparoscopy-assisted percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) was performed for caliceal stones in five patients after failure of shockwave lithotripsy, while laparoscopic pyelolithotomy was performed for large or branched renal pelvic stones in six patients. RESULTS: The mean operative time was 164 +/- 30 minutes. There were neither complications nor conversions to open surgery. The stone-free rate was 91% (10 patients). One patient had a residual caliceal fragment that was treated with shockwave lithotripsy. The mean hospital stay was 3.5 +/- 0.7 days. CONCLUSION: The combination of laparoscopy and nephroscopy is feasible, safe, and effective for the treatment of stones in pelvic kidneys.