A proposed mathematical model to help preoperative planning between RIRS and MiniPerc for renal stones between 10 and 20 mm using holmium:Yag laser (Cyber Ho): the stone management according to size-hardness (SMASH) score.

To evaluate the performance of a mathematical model to drive preoperative planning between RIRS and MiniPerc (MP) for the treatment of renal stones between 10 and 20 mm. Patients with a renal stone between 10 and 20 mm were enrolled. A mathematical model named Stone Management According to Size-Hardness (SMASH) score was calculated: hounsfield units (HU) χ stone maximum size (cm)/100. Patients were divided into 4 groups: RIRS with score < 15 (Group A), RIRS with score ≥ 15 (Group B), MP with score < 15 (Group C), MP with score ≥ 15 (Group D). Cyber Ho device was always used. Stone free rate (SFR) was assessed after 3 months. Complication rate and need for auxiliary procedures were evaluated. Between January 2019 and December 2021, 350 patients were enrolled (87, 88, 82 and 93 in Groups A, B, C and D). Mean stone size was 13.1 vs 13.3 mm in Group A vs B (p = 0.18) and 16.2 vs 18.1 mm in Group C vs D (p = 0.12). SFR was 82%, 61%, 75% and 85% for Groups A, B, C and D. SFR was comparable between Groups C and D (p = 0.32) and Groups A and C (p = 0.22). SFR was significantly higher in Group A over B (p = 0.03) and in Group D over B (p = 0.02). Complication rate was 2.2%, 3.4%, 12.1%, 12.9% for Groups A, B, C, D. RIRS and MP are both safe and effective. The mathematical model with the proposed cut-off allowed a proper allocation of patients between endoscopic and percutaneous approaches.Registration number of the study ISRCTN55546280.

Percutaneous Nephrostomy as a Procedure in the Treatment of Urinary Tract Obstruction - Experiences in the University Clinic of Urology in Skopje.

INTRODUCTION: Obstructive uropathy encompasses various urinary tract obstructions, leading to changes in urine flow, kidney pressure, and impaired kidney function. Predicting renal recovery from obstructive uropathy, can be challenging and necessitates treatment, as in percutaneous nephrostomy (PNS) drainage. The choice of drainage method depends on patient-specific factors and local expertise. According to the data for the Republic of North Macedonia, in the register of the European Renal Association, in the last few years, there has been an increase in the percentage of patients with obstructive nephropathy from 7.6% to 8.9% who end up on a chronic hemodialysis program. Prompt relief from urinary tract obstruction is essential to preserve renal function and prevent complications. The aim of this study is to present our initial data analysis of recent experience in the use of nephrostomies as a method for temporary or long-term resolution of obstructive nephropathy, in terms of safety and success in preserving kidney function and reducing the number of patients on hemodialysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study analyzed the medical records of 24 patients with obstructive uropathy who underwent PNS placement. Data were collected for the type and degree of obstruction from the ultrasonographic examination. A pig tail nephrostomy was used, with a dilator, guided under ultrasound and controlled with contrast and fluoroscope. Obstructive nephropathy was defined as an elevation of the serum creatinine > 109 µmol/L, before the intervention. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated according to the formula CKD epi in ml/min. Each placement of the PNS was considered as an individual procedure and the data of 38 placed nephrostomies were analyzed. We compared the laboratory analyses from the day before (D0) PNS placement and on the seventh day (D7) after PNS placement. The reduction of values for red blood cells (RBC) and hemoglobin (Hb) baseline values from D0 to D7 and the need for transfusion after the procedure were defined as a complication-bleeding. The increase in total counts of the white blood cells (WBC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) from the baseline values from D0 to D7 were defined as a complication-infection. Standard statistical methods were used for data processing. RESULTS: Most patients, 17 (70%), had malignant disease as the cause of obstruction. Unilateral obstruction was more common, detected in 24 (63%) of procedures, with a high degree of hydronephrosis. Obstructive nephropathy, marked by elevated serum creatinine, was observed in 23 (60%) cases before PNS placement. Complications included bleeding and infection but did not result in any fatalities. When comparing the laboratory analysis before PNS placement (D0) and seven days later (D7), a statistically significant decrease in serum creatinine (225±161 vs. 162±145, p=0.005) and an increase in GFR (47±39 vs.59±34, p= 0.005) were observed. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous nephrostomy is a safe and effective treatment option for urinary tract obstruction, especially in patients with malignancies. Continuous monitoring is essential to assess long-term complications and the longevity of PNS functionality. This procedure offers a significant benefit in preserving renal function and minimizing the need for hemodialysis in these patients.

Bilateral Single-session PCNL with Minimally Invasive Technique in Pediatric Nephrolithiasis.

PURPOSE: To assess outcomes of bilateral single-session percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) with minimally invasive techniques in pediatric population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From August 2015 to July 2021, 45 children (including 12 infants) were treated with bilateral single-session PCNL, which included miniPCNL (12-16-Fr) and Microperc (4.8-Fr). Patient, stone and operation-related characteristics, stone-free rate (SFR) and complication rate (CR) were compared using ANOVA. Independent predictors were determined using multivariate linear regression. RESULTS: The mean stone burden was 3.2 cm in sum diameter for both kidneys. For bilateral kidneys, the mean operative time was 61.6min and SFR was 93.3%; CR was 53.3%, of which complications of Clavien grade 1 and 2 accounted for 46.7%. Bilateral Microperc, bilateral miniPCNL and Microperc plus miniPCNL was performed in 19, 14 and 12 children respectively. Both irrigation volume and postoperative stay were less in groups with Microperc. Both SFRs and CRs were satisfactory for the three groups. Self-limiting hematuria represented the most common complication of all cases (33.3%), especially in groups with miniPCNL. The stone burden was the only independent predictor for operative time (P < .001) and the postoperative complication (P = .008). Children with older age (P = .009), higher body mass index (P = .016) or a higher stone burden (P < .001) received larger irrigated fluid volume. Microperc was associated with less irrigated fluid volume (P = .001). Children with Clavien grade 3 complications (P = .004) spent prolonged postoperative hospital stay. CONCLUSION: With favourable SFR and acceptable CR, bilateral single-session PCNL with minimally invasive techniques might be an effective and safe procedure for pediatric nephrolithiasis.

Super-mini PCNL (SMP) with suction versus standard PCNL for the management of renal calculi of 1.5 cm-3 cm: a randomized controlled study from a university teaching hospital.

PURPOSE: To assess the safety and efficacy of super-mini PCNL (SMP, 14 Fr) when compared to standard PCNL (sPCNL, 24-30 Fr) in the management of renal calculi of size ranging from 1.5 to 3 cm. METHODS: From February 2021 to January 2022, a total of 100 patients were randomized to either SMP group or sPCNL group in a 1:1 ratio (50 in each group) using computer-generated simple randomization. Demographic data, stone characteristics, operative times, perioperative complications, blood transfusions, postoperative drop in haemoglobin, postoperative pain, duration of hospital stay and stone-free rates were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Mean stone volume (2.41 cm2 vs 2.61 cm2) and stone-free rates (98% vs 94%, p = 0.14) were similar in both the SMP and sPCNL groups, respectively. The SMP group had significantly longer mean operative times (51.62 ± 10.17 min vs 35.6 ± 6.8 min, p = 0.03). Intraoperative calyceal injury (1/50 vs 7/50, p = 0.42) and mean postoperative drop in haemoglobin (0.8 ± 0.7 g/dl vs 1.2 ± 0.81, p = 0.21) were lower in the SMP group, but not statistically significant. SMP group showed significantly lower mean postoperative pain VAS scores (5.4 ± 0.7 vs 5.9 ± 0.9, p = 0.03) and mean duration of hospital stay (28.38 ± 3.6 h vs 39.84 ± 3.7 h, p = 0.0001). Complications up to Clavien grade 2 were comparable, with grade ≥ 3 complications higher in the standard group, but not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Super-mini PCNL is equally effective as standard PCNL in treating renal calculi up to 3 cm, with significantly reduced postoperative pain and duration of hospital stay and lower risk of Clavien grade ≥ 3 complications, although with higher operative times.

Transient ureteral obstruction after mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy is associated with stone volume and location: results from a single-center, real-life study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the rate of and predictors of ureteral obstruction after mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mPCNL) for kidney stones. METHODS: We analyzed data from 263 consecutive patients who underwent mPCNL at a single tertiary referral academic between 01/2016 and 11/2022. Patient's demographics, stone characteristics, and operative data were collected. A nephrostomy tube was placed as the only exit strategy in each procedure. On postoperative day 2, an antegrade pyelography was performed to assess ureteral canalization. The nephrostomy tube was removed if ureteral canalization was successful. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with a lack of ureteral canalization. RESULTS: Overall, median (IQR) age and stone volume were 56 (47-65) years and 1.7 (0.8-4.2) cm3, respectively. Of 263, 55 (20.9%) patients showed ureteral obstruction during pyelography. Patients without ureteral canalization had larger stone volume (p < 0.001), longer operative time (p < 0.01), and higher rate of stones in the renal pelvis (p < 0.01) than those with normal pyelography. Length of stay was longer (p < 0.01), and postoperative complications (p = 0.03) were more frequent in patients without ureteral canalization. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that stone volume (OR 1.1, p = 0.02) and stone located in the renal pelvis (OR 2.2, p = 0.04) were independent predictors of transient ureteral obstruction, after accounting for operative time. CONCLUSION: One out of five patients showed transient ureteral obstruction after mPCNL. Patients with a higher stone burden and with stones in the renal pelvis are at higher risk of inadequate ureteral canalization. Internal drainage might be considered in these cases to avoid potential complications.

Learning curve of ultrasound-guided percutaneous nephrolithotripsy in the treatment of complex renal calculi.

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to investigate the learning curve of ultrasound-guided percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PCNL) for the treatment of complex renal calculi. METHODS: Seventy-two patients with complex renal stones who underwent ultrasound-guided PCNL by the same operator from November 2016 to September 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The learning curve of PCNL for complex renal stones was analyzed using multifactorial cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis and best-fit curves. RESULTS: The CUSUM best-fit curve peaked at Case 36, which represented the minimum number of cumulative cases required to cross the learning curve for this surgical procedure. Accordingly, the learning curve was divided into a learning improvement period (36 cases) and a proficiency phase (36 cases). Compared with the learning improvement period, the proficiency phase was characterized by a shorter puncture time and operation time, a smaller drop in the hemoglobin level, and a lower postoperative complication rate. CONCLUSION: The learning curve of PCNL for the treatment of complex renal calculi can be divided into a learning improvement period and a proficiency phase, and the minimum cumulative number of cases is 36.

What should the optimal access site be for percutaneous treatment of anterior lower pole calyx stones?

OBJECTIVES: Compared to other stone groups, anterior calyx stones are more challenging for endourologists to treat. This study aims to evaluate the differences between our latest technique and conventional techniques for treating anterior calyx stones in the lower pole. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with isolated anterior lower pole calyx or complex lower pole stones with anterior calyx branching were included in the study. The first group included lower pole access, while the second group included percutaneous treatment through the middle or upper pole. In the first group, the posterior calyx or direct anterior calyx approach was utilised depending on whether the stone was isolated calyx, complex structure or calyx anatomy, while in the second group, percutaneous nephrolithotomy was performed through the middle or upper pole posterior calyx access. RESULTS: There were 37 patients in Group 1 and 25 patients in Group 2. Both groups were similar regarding patient age, sex, stone burden, and stone localisation (p > 0.05). When comparing operative and post-operative data between groups, it was found that the stone clearance rate, number of accesses, and haematocrit decrease were statistically superior in the second group (p: 0.003, p: 0.002, p: 0.018), with no significant difference in mean operative time, length of hospital stay, fluoroscopy time and pain score (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous surgery utilising an access from a calyx distal to the stone may offer better clearance and lower morbidity rates for lower pole stones involving the anterior calyx.

Risk factors of high fluid absorption in patients treated with mini-PCNL: a single-center prospective study.

BACKGROUND: The factors influencing fluid absorption in mini-percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (mini-PCNL) are still unknown. We aim to investigate the factors that influence irrigation fluid absorption during mini-PCNL. METHODS: A total of 94 patients who underwent mini-PCNL were included in this prospective study. The endoscopic surgical monitoring system (ESMS) was used to measure the volume of irrigation fluid absorbed during the procedure. Irrigating time, the total volume of irrigation fluid, stone size, S.T.O.N.E. score, hemoglobin, electrolyte levels, and postoperative complications were recorded. RESULTS: A significant correlation was observed between fluid absorption and the presence of postoperative fever, and based on this phenomenon, patients were divided into low and high fluid absorption groups. The serum creatinine level in the high fluid absorption group was significantly high (7 vs. 16.5, p = 0.02). Significant differences were observed between the low and high fluid absorption groups in terms of mean stone size (21.70 mm vs. 26.78 mm), presence of stone burden ≥ 800 mm2 (4% vs. 23%), S.T.O.N.E. score > 8 (4% vs. 38%), the fluid used > 18,596 ml (19% vs. 78%), irrigation time (55.61 min vs. 91.28 min), and perfusion rate (24% vs. 45%) (all p < 0.05). The rates of postoperative fever and SIRS in the high fluid absorption group were significantly high (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Mean stone size, presence of stone burden ≥ 800 mm2, S.T.O.N.E. score > 8, the fluid used > 18596 mL, irrigation time, and perfusion rate are risk factors of intraoperative fluid absorption in mini-PCNL.

PCNL vs. two staged RIRS for kidney stones greater than 20 mm: systematic review, meta-analysis, and trial sequential analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is considered the gold standard treatment for kidney stones greater than 20 mm. However, retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) may achieve the same stone-free rate with repeated procedures, and potentially fewer complications. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of PCNL and two-staged RIRS. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We conducted a systematic search in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science for studies comparing PCNL and RIRS for kidney stones greater than 20mm. The primary outcome is stone-free rate (SFR) of PCNL and RIRS (repeated once if needed). Secondary outcomes were SFR of PCNL versus RIRS (single procedure), operative time, hospital stay, need for auxiliary procedures, and complications. We performed a subgroup analysis for randomized trials, non-randomized trials, and patients with solitary kidney. We performed a trial sequential analysis for the main outcome. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: We included 31 articles, with 1987 patients in the PCNL and 1724 patients in RIRS. We confirmed the traditional result that after a single procedure PCNL has a higher SFR. We also found that comparing the SFR of PCNL and RIRS, repeated up to two times if needed, no difference in SFR was observed. Surprisingly, only 26% (CI95 23%-28%) of the patients required a second RIRS. In the trial sequential analysis, the last point of the z-curve was within futility borders. We observed that PCNL has a higher incidence of complications (RR=1.51; CI95 1.24, 1.83; P<0.0001; I2=28%), specifically CD2 (RR=1.82; CI95 1.30, 2.54; P=0.0004; I2=26%) and longer hospital stay (MD 2.57; 2.18, 2.96; P<0.00001; I2-98%). No difference was observed regarding operative time. CONCLUSIONS: RIRS repeated up to two times is equivalent to PCNL in terms of the SFR and may have the same safety.

Segmental artery angioembolization as an efficient treatment modality for delayed hematuria with normal angiography: two case reports.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is the most commonly used modality for the removal of kidney stones larger than 2 cm in size. Like other stone removal methods, percutaneous nephrolithotomy also has some complications, including bleeding and delayed hematuria. These complications are improved with conservative management and bed rest most of the time. However, it may require more invasive treatments. Angioembolization following an abnormal renal angiography is an efficient treatment modality for delayed hematuria. Furthermore, nephrectomy is suggested in uncontrolled cases of delayed hematuria when renal angiography is normal. CASE PRESENTATION: We described two cases of uncontrolled delayed hematuria after percutaneous nephrolithotomy and angioembolization were carried out rather than potential nephrectomies. The first case was a 61-year-old Iranian man with left kidney stones, for whom percutaneous nephrolithotomy was planned. The patient was referred to the hospital after discharge with massive hematuria and had normal angiographic findings. An angioembolization was suggested for the patient and was carried out. His hematuria was dramatically improved within 30 minutes, and his hemoglobin level started to increase 2 days later. The second case was a 53-year-old Iranian man with kidney stones who was a candidate for right kidney percutaneous nephrolithotomy. The patient was referred to the hospital 4 days after discharge with a decreased hemoglobin level and massive hematuria. The patient had normal angiographic findings and was planned for angioembolization to control his hemorrhage, which dramatically decreased after the angioembolization within 60 minutes. CONCLUSION: Embolization of the segmental arteries of the targeted calyx can eliminate hematuria of the patient and prevent further nephrectomy.

Surgical procedure and recurrence of upper urinary tract stone: a national-wide study based on hospitalized patients.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the influence of surgical intervention on recurrence risk of upper urinary tract stone and compare the medical burden of various surgical procedures. METHODS: This study analyzed data from patients with upper urinary tract stone extracted from a national database of hospitalized patients in China, from January 2013 to December 2018. Surgical recurrence was defined as patients experience surgical procedures for upper urinary tract stone again with a time interval over 90 days. Associations of surgical procedures with surgical recurrence were evaluated by Cox regression. RESULTS: In total, 556,217 patients with upper urinary tract stone were included in the present analysis. The mean age of the population was 49.9 ± 13.1 years and 64.1% were men. During a median follow-up of 2.7 years (IQR 1.5-4.0 years), 23,012 patients (4.1%) had surgical recurrence with an incidence rate of 14.9 per 1000 person-years. Compared to patients receiving open surgery, ESWL (HR, 1.59; 95% CI 1.49-1.70), URS (HR, 1.38; 95% CI 1.31-1.45), and PCNL (HR, 1.11; 95% CI 1.06-1.18) showed a greater risk for surgical recurrence. Patients receiving ESWL had the shortest hospital stay length and the lowest cost among the 4 procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with open surgery, ESWL, URS, and PCNL are associated with higher risks of surgical recurrence for upper urinary tract stone, while ESWL showed the least medical burden including both expenditure and hospital stay length. How to keep balance of intervention efficacy and medical expenditure is an important issue to be weighed cautiously in clinic practice and studied more in the future.

Complications Subsequent to Urinary Tract Stent Placement: An Overview Focusing on the Imaging of Cancer Patients.

Ureteral involvement by a tumor is common, and both partial and complete obstructions can result in symptoms that are distressing and debilitating, especially in cancer patients for whom the resection of the primary tumor is not considered an option. Maintaining ureteric patency in these patients is a challenge. In addition, in cases where a patient has undergone nephroureterectomy due to primary transitional cell cancer, it becomes necessary to decompress the urinary tract to preserve the contralateral kidney from irreversible damage. This is possibly due to ureteral stenting, both retrograde and anterograde, and percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN). Since imaging plays an important role in the routine monitoring of stents, their more and more increasing use requires radiologists to be familiar with these devices, their correct position, their potential complications, and their consequences. The aim of this review is to offer a comprehensive review of the imaging features of some urinary stents and to show the complications encountered in cancer patients as a direct consequence of an invasive diagnostic or therapeutic procedure. Specifically, we focus on ureteral stents and PCN.

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.

Ureteral stent after PCNL: is leaving the threads through the percutaneous tract safe and better tolerated?

OBJECTIVE: To assess safety, urinary symptoms, and feasibility of JJ stent removal with exteriorized threads through the percutaneous tract after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective, transversal, comparative, experimental, randomized 1-to-1 cohort study in 52 patients who underwent "tubeless" PCNL from October 2020 to November 2022. Group A with threads through the urethra and Group B through the percutaneous tract. The validated USSQ (Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire) was applied in the Urology office a week after the procedure, and the JJ stent was withdrawn by pulling the threads. Hemoglobin and urine culture, and pre- and post-surgery were evaluated. RESULTS: There is a statistically significant difference in favor of group B when comparing urinary symptoms (p = 0.008), body pain (p = 0.009), and general condition (p = 0.042), mainly for non-urgency incontinence, frequency of analgesic use, and dysuria. There were significant differences between groups (p = 0.028, p = 0.026, p = 0.027, respectively). There is no association with urinary infections (p = 0.603) nor an increased risk of bleeding (p = 0.321). CONCLUSION: The removal of the JJ stent with exteriorized threads through the percutaneous tract after PCNL in the office is a feasible and safe procedure if it is removed before 8 days and has better tolerance regarding the urinary symptoms.

Management of malignant ureteric obstruction with ureteric stenting or percutaneous nephrostomy.

Malignant ureteric obstruction (MUO) is frequently encountered in patients with advanced cancers. In the largest study to date, assessing 852 patients from across Scotland, the authors demonstrated the presence of MUO as a marker of advanced disease across cancer types, with poor survival for many patients, even with intervention. There is uncertainty in optimal management of this condition, with marked differences in management between hospitals. Treatment to relieve the obstruction does not guarantee either improvement in kidney function or progression to further oncological treatment. The authors have developed a prognostic tool to estimate outcomes after intervention for MUO, and advocate its use for clinicians along with other data presented for patient counselling.

A novel post-percutaneous nephrolithotomy sepsis prediction model using machine learning.

OBJECTIVES: To establish a predictive model for sepsis after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) using machine learning to identify high-risk patients and enable early diagnosis and intervention by urologists. METHODS: A retrospective study including 694 patients who underwent PCNL was performed. A predictive model for sepsis using machine learning was constructed based on 22 preoperative and intraoperative parameters. RESULTS: Sepsis occurred in 45 of 694 patients, including 16 males (35.6%) and 29 females (64.4%). Data were randomly segregated into an 80% training set and a 20% validation set via 100-fold Monte Carlo cross-validation. The variables included in this study were highly independent. The model achieved good predictive power for postoperative sepsis (AUC = 0.89, 87.8% sensitivity, 86.9% specificity, and 87.4% accuracy). The top 10 variables that contributed to the model prediction were preoperative midstream urine bacterial culture, sex, days of preoperative antibiotic use, urinary nitrite, preoperative blood white blood cell (WBC), renal pyogenesis, staghorn stones, history of ipsilateral urologic surgery, cumulative stone diameters, and renal anatomic malformation. CONCLUSION: Our predictive model is suitable for sepsis estimation after PCNL and could effectively reduce the incidence of sepsis through early intervention.

Comparing Balloon Dilation to Non-Balloon Dilation for Access in Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided balloon dilation compared to non-balloon dilation for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted by searching PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. Results were filtered using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria as described and meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4 software. RESULTS: A total of six studies involving 1189 patients who underwent PCNL were included. The meta-analysis results demonstrated that compared to non-balloon dilation, balloon dilation was associated with reduced haemoglobin drop [mean difference (MD) = -0.26, 95% CI = -0.40 ~ -0.12, P = 0.0002], decreased transfusion rate [odds ratio (OR) = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.24 ~ 0.92, P = 0.03], shorter tract establishment time (MD = -1.30, 95% CI = -1.87 ~ -0.72, P < 0.0001) and shorter operation time (MD = -5.23, 95% CI = -10.19 ~ -0.27, P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, ultrasound-guided balloon dilatation offered several advantages in PCNL procedures. It facilitated faster access establishment, as evidenced by shorter access creation time. Additionally, it reduced the risk of kidney injury by minimizing postoperative haemoglobin drop and decreasing the need for transfusions. Moreover, it enhanced the efficiency of surgery by reducing the operation time. However, it is important to note that the quality of some included studies was subpar, as they did not adequately control for confounding factors that may affect the outcomes. Therefore, further research is necessary to validate and strengthen these findings.

Assessing the Impact of Percutaneous Nephrostomy Presence on Neoadjuvant Treatment Quality in Patients With Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Symptomatic hydronephrosis associated with muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) necessitates percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) insertion before neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). This study assesses the impact of PCN presence on standard intended NAC quality, its related complications and outcome after radical cystectomy (RC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study comprises a retrospective, multicenter cohort of 193 consecutive RCs performed between 2016 and 2019. Eighty (42%) of these patients received NAC and were divided in 2 comparison groups by presence (n = 26; 33%) or absence (n = 54; 67%) of PCN. Endpoints included completion of adequate NAC treatment (cisplatin-based chemotherapy for at least 4 courses), complications during NAC, post-RC complications and hospital stay. RESULTS: Overall, patients with PCN (45/193; 23%) featured a higher referral rate to NAC (58% vs. 36%, P = .01), worse glomerular filtration rates (P < .001) and more adverse events (P = .04), in comparison to non-PCN patients. In the NAC cohort, PCN patients had less adequate treatment rates (54% vs. 85%, P = .005), and more infections (35% vs, 7%; P = .008) and hospitalizations (58% vs. 13%; P < .001) during chemotherapy. Post-RC outcome was similar for both comparison groups. PCN was an independent risk factor for inadequate NAC (OR = 3.9, P = .04), and infections (OR = 11.3, P = .01) and hospitalizations (OR = 7.5, P = .004) during NAC. CONCLUSIONS: PCN in MIBC patients is a significant risk factor for inadequate NAC and adverse events during treatment. This finding may quire the rationale of NAC, potentially leading to consideration of NAC avoidance and upfront RC in PCN patients. Further survival studies with long follow-up are needed for elucidating this issue.

Cystinuria Complicated by Anuria From Bilateral Obstructing Stones Requiring Bilateral Mini Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in a 22-Month-Old.

Pediatric nephrolithiasis is increasing in incidence and presents differently compared to adults. We report a case of nephrolithiasis in a pediatric patient, presenting with complaints of emesis, anuria, hematuria, and abdominal distension, leading to a diagnosis of bilateral obstructing cystine stones requiring bilateral percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Pediatric patients with anuria should be evaluated for bilateral nephrolithiasis as an etiology. Calculous anuria requires prompt recognition of the pathologic process and relief of the obstruction with close follow-up and supportive care until definitive stone management. Bilateral percutaneous nephrolithotomy can provide definitive surgical intervention without significant morbidity.