A new alternative to percutaneous nephrolithotomy: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a common procedure for kidney stone removal, involving a small incision in the back and insertion of a nephroscope to extract the stones. Recent advancements include super-mini PCNL, employing smaller instruments for less invasive access to the kidney. However, conventional PCNL often requires tract dilation, which can lead to potential complications. CASE PRESENTATION: This case report presents the successful application of our surgical technique using the basic principles of PCNL with the aid of a pediatric trocar cystostomy and ultrasound guidance as a new alternative for super-mini PCNL, offering safer access with reduced bleeding risk and shorter recovery. The surgery was performed on a 55-year-old female with bilateral kidney stones, with the stone in the left kidney being larger than the one in the right kidney. The procedure was completed within 60 min without significant postoperative complications. DISCUSSION: Our new alternative for PCNL offers benefits such as reduced invasiveness, shorter recovery time, decreased risk of complications, and minimal changes in postoperative hemoglobin levels. This new alternative can be performed in developing country hospitals that do not have the expensive PCNL equipment. CONCLUSION: This new alternative of PCNL with pediatric trocar cystostomy proves to be effective and safe.

Ultrasound with needle guiding exploration as a real-time modality for exploration of air rifle bullet close to cervical spine: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Surgical exploration of retained air rifle bullet at the neck region is challenging because it is difficult to find bullets during exploration and prevent damage to vital structures. A bedside real-time imaging technique is needed to determine the retained bullet's location to the surrounding structures and guiding exploration. CASE PRESENTATION: A 19-year-old male patient was admitted to the emergency department with neck pain after being shot by an air rifle. The patient's vital signs were stable. A small entry wound to the right lateral side of the neck without exit wound was found without neurological symptoms. The cervical X-ray showed the bullet at the third cervical vertebrae level. Surgical exploration was performed with needle-guiding ultrasonography. The bullet is a one-centimeter anterior transverse process of the third cervical vertebra marked by a hyperechoic object. Exploration was done by tracing the needle. Postoperative neurological evaluation was conducted, and no abnormalities were found. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Preoperative imaging modalities are crucial before the surgical exploration of a retained air rifle bullet. X-ray and CT-scan are imaging modalities that are often used as an initial assessment of retained foreign bodies. However, ultrasonography provides advantages over X-ray and CT scan to provide real-time imaging that supports the surgeon while performing surgical exploration. Ultrasonography with needle guiding exploration increases the precise location of a retained air rifle bullet. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography was a simple and precise real-time imaging modality for identifying and guiding the exploration of a retained air rifle bullet in the neck area.

Discitis Following Radiofrequency Nucleoplasty: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Radiofrequency nucleoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure to treat chronic low back pain, especially mild degenerative disc diseases. Discitis after radiofrequency nucleoplasty is a rare case. CASE PRESENTATION: A 62-year-old male patient with a chief complaint of 10 years low back pain, gradually worsening for the last two years, a history of hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and routine dialysis twice a week, referred to the center. He underwent a lumbar medial branch block using radiofrequency and radiofrequency nucleoplasty procedure of lumbar 4-5 (L4-L5). Three weeks after the intervention, he could not move his legs, associated with urinary and fecal incontinence. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the lumbar spine was performed, and the results indicated hyperintensity in L4-L5, suspicious of discitis. Laminectomy at L4 and L5 was performed. Eight months after surgery, the patient could feel and lift legs, and urinary and fecal incontinence was also controlled. CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis of discitis is critical and challenging. Delay in diagnosis may lead to treatment delay and the development of neurological deficits. Comprehensive treatment with bed rest, antimicrobial therapy, and sensible application of timely surgery are essentials to an optimal outcome.