Comparison of retrograde ureterorenoscopy (URS) and percutaneous anterograde ureteroscopy for removal of impacted upper ureteral stones >10mm in the elderly population

ABSTRACT Purpose: We aimed to compare the success and complication rates of the anterograde and retrograde Ureterorenoscopy (URS) for impacted upper ureteral stones in patients > 65 years of age. Materials and Methods: Data of 146 patients >65 years of age and underwent anterograde URS (n=68) in supine position or retrograde URS (n=78) for upper ureteral impacted stones>10 mm between January 2014 and September 2018 were collected prospectively. The groups were compared for success and complication rates, duration of operation, hospital stay, and ancillary procedures. Results: Anterograde and retrograde URS groups were similar for demographic and stone related characteristics. The success rate of the anterograde URS group was significantly higher than the retrograde URS group (97.1% vs. 78.2%, p=0.0007). The complication rates were similar for the two groups (p=0.86). Clavien grade I and II complications were observed in 3 patients in each group. The mean hemoglobin drop was 0.5 g/dL in the anterograde URS group and blood transfusion was not performed in any of the patients. The mean duration of operation was 41.2±12.5 minutes in the mini-PNL group and 59.6±15.1 minutes in the RIRS group and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.02). The median duration of hospitalization was 1 day for both groups. Conclusions: Performing anterograde URS in supine position provided better success rates and similar complication rates compared to retrograde URS. Based on these results anterograde URS shall be considered as one of the primary treatment options for management of impacted upper ureteral stones in the elderly population.

Simplified method using kidney / ureter / bladder x-ray to determine the appropriate length of ureteral stents

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate a method to determine the appropriate length of ureteral stents, given that the stent length may lead to exacerbation of urinary symptoms if the stent crosses the bladder midline. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the position of the distal curl of the ureteral stent using kidney/ureter/bladder (KUB) radiographs after ureteroscopic lithotripsy in 165 patients who underwent placement of 24- or 26-cm ureteral stents. According to the KUB findings, we categorized the position of the distal curl of the ureteral stent into two groups. In Group 1, the stents did not cross the midline (appropriate length); in Group 2, the stents crossed the midline (inappropriate length). We assessed several patient parameters (sex, height, body mass index, and stone side) and the index of ureteral length using KUB radiographs ("C-P") and computed tomography (CT, "P-V"). Multivariate analysis was performed to identify the most significant factors affecting the position of ureteral stents. We also calculated the cutoff points of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of C-P and P-V for the position of ureteral stents. Results: The multivariate analysis showed that C-P was the most significant factor affecting the position of ureteral stents (p < 0.001) in patients with 24- and 26-cm ureteral stents. Comparison of the ROC curves of C-P and P-V showed that C-P was superior to P-V (p < 0.01) in patients with 24- and 26-cm stents. Conclusion: The use of KUB radiographs was effective and simple in determining the appropriate length of ureteral stents.

Single-session ureteroscopic pneumatic lithotripsy for the management of bilateral ureteric stones

PURPOSE: In nowadays there is no consensus on single-session ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URSL) for the management of bilateral ureteric stones. The aim of this study was to evaluate efficacy and safety of single-session URSL in patients with bilateral ureteric stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 41 patients who have undergone bilateral single-session URSL were evaluted in this study. A 8/9.8 Fr Wolf semi-rigid ureteroscope was used for the procedures, and the stones were fragmented with pneumatic lithotripter. RESULTS: A high stone-free rate was achieved (90.2%) after single endoscopic procedure with a retreatment rate of 9.8%. The procedure was most successful for distal ureteric stones with a 96.2% stone-free rate followed by middle ureteric stones with a 81.8% stone-free rate while the least success was achieved for proximal ureteric stones with a 77.7% stone-free rate (p < 0.05). A greater stone-free rate was obtained in those with stones less than 10 mm (93.7%) than in those with stones larger than 10 mm (77.7%) (p < 0.05). Ureteral perforation occurred in only one patient (2.4 %). No long-term complication was observed in any patient. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral single-session URSL can be performed effectively and safely with a low complication rate in patients with bilateral ureteric stones. It can reduce the need of anaesthetics and hospital stay.

Patient position and semi-rigid ureteroscopy outcomes

Introduction: Two positions have been reported for ureteroscopy (URS): dorsal lithotomy (DL) position and dorsal lithotomy position with same side leg slightly extended (DLEL). The aim of the present study was to compare the outcomes associated with URS performed with patients in DL vs. DLEL position. Material and Methods: A total of 98 patients treated for ureteral calculi were randomized to either DL or DLEL position during URS, and were prospectively followed. Patients, stone characteristics and operative outcomes were evaluated. Results: Of the 98 patients included in the study, 56.1 percent were men and 43.9 percent women with a mean age of 42.6 ± 16.8 years. Forty-eight patients underwent URS in DL position and 50 in DLEL position. Patients' age, mean stone size and location were similar between both groups. Operative time was longer for the DL vs. DLEL group (81.0 vs. 62.0 minutes, p = 0.045), mainly for men (95.2 vs. 63.9 minutes, p = 0.023). Mean fluoroscopy use, complications and success rates were similar between both groups. Conclusions: Most factors associated with operative outcomes during URS are inherent to patient's condition or devices available at each center, and therefore cannot be changed. However, leg position is a simple factor that can easily be changed, and directly affects operative time during URS. Even though success and complication rates are not related to position, placing the patient in dorsal lithotomy position with an extended leg seems to make the surgery easier and faster.

Experiencia en el tratamiento endoscópico de la litiasis ureteral / Experience in the endoscopic treatment of ureteral stones

Objetivos: La endourología con procedimientos menos invasivos ha sustituido la cirugía convencional en el manejo de algunas patologías, con una baja morbilidad y altos índices de resolución. El progreso de la ureteroscopia con disminución del calibre del instrumental y mejoría de los sistemas ópticos y accesorios han permitido mejor acceso y visión del tracto urinario, disminuyendo los índices de complicaciones. Material y Método: análisis retrospectivo de nuestra experiencia en el abordaje ureteroscópico de lalitiasis ureteral durante el período febrero 2004 - diciembre 2005. Se definió el éxito de la cirugía según la fragmentación completa de la litiasis y la desobstrucción respectiva. Resultados: Se realizaron 50 cirugías, distribuidas en rango etareo 18-83 años, 28 pacientes de sexo masculino y 22 de sexo femenino. El tamaño litiásico abordado varió de 0,5 -2 cm. Se logró la fragmentación completa del cálculo en 92 por ciento de los casos, en 2 pacientes se logró fragmentación parcial y en otros 2 no se logró el acceso por migración de la litiasis. Se describen como complicaciones las inherentes al procedimiento, hematuria, perforación ureteral localizada y 1 caso de falsa vía. Conclusiones: La ureterolitotomia endoscópica resulta un procedimiento seguro y eficaz en la resolución de la litiasis ureteral distal con baja morbilidad asociada, la disponibilidad de la litotripsia intracorporea permite mayor flexibilidad en la indicación de esta técnica. Constituye nuestra modalidad de elección, considerando la poca disponibilidad de litotripsia extracorpórea.

Introduction: Endourology has replaced conventional surgery in management of several urological diseases, with a low morbidity and excellent results. The progress of ureteroscopy with reduced and improved instruments and more advanced optical systems have allowed better access and vision of the urinary tract, reducing the rates of complications. Material and Methods: Retrospective analysis of our experience in the ureteroscopic management of ureteral stones during the period from February 2004 - December 2005. Succesful surgery was define We define as successful according to both the fragmentation of the stones and resolution of obstruction. Results: Fifty surgeries were performed in patients with an age range 18-83 years. Male to female ratio was 3/2. Stone tone size ranged from 0.5 to 2 cm. Complete fragmentation was achieved in 92 percent of the cases, 2 patients achieved partial fragmentation and in one case we experienced migration of stone and the procedure was not completed. The complications rate observed I the series was low. Conclusions: Endourological management of ureteral stones is safe and effective for the resolution of distal ureteral calculi with low morbidity. Availability of intracorporeal lithotripsy allows greater flexibility in the indication of this technique. In our hands this woud be the technique of choice.

Retroperitoneoscopy for treatment of renal and ureteral stones

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of retroperitoneoscopy for treating stones in the renal pelvis and proximal ureter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the period from August 2003 to August 2004, 35 retroperitoneoscopies for treatment of urinary stones were performed on 34 patients. Fifteen patients (42 percent) had stones in the renal pelvis, and in 2 cases, there were associated stones in the upper caliceal group. Twenty patients (58 percent) had ureteral stones, all of them located above the iliac vessel. Twenty-five patients (71 percent) had previously undergone at least one session of extracorporeal lithotripsy and 8 patients (26 percent) also underwent ureteroscopy to attempt to remove the stone. Eight patients underwent retroperitoneoscopy as a primary procedure. Stone size ranged from 0.5 to 6 cm with a mean of 2.1 cm. RESULTS: Retroperitoneoscopy was performed by lumbar approach with initial access conducted by open technique and creation of space by digital dissection. We used a 10-mm Hasson trocar for the optics, and 2 or 3 additional working ports placed under visualization. Following identification, the urinary tract was opened with a laparoscopic scalpel and the stone was removed intact. The urinary tract was closed with absorbable 4-0 suture and a Penrose drain was left in the retroperitoneum. In 17 patients (49 percent), a double-J stent was maintained postoperatively. Surgical time ranged from 60 to 260 minutes with a mean of 140 minutes. The mean hospital stay was 3 days (1-10 days). The mean length of retroperitoneal urinary drainage was 3 days (1-10 days). There were minor complications in 6 (17.6 percent) patients and 1 case of conversion due to technical difficulty. Thirty-three patients (94 percent) became stone free. CONCLUSION: Retroperitoneoscopy is an effective, low-morbidity alternative for treatment of urinary stones.