Single Specialty-Operated Renal Stone Removal: Initial Experience from 3 Interventional Radiology Centers.

This retrospective analysis of the feasibility and safety of percutaneous renal stone removal using single-use flexible ureteroscopes was conducted at 3 academic centers. Twelve patients (58% men) underwent 14 percutaneous renal stone removal procedures between December 2021 and March 2023. All patients experienced symptom improvement and resolution of obstruction after stone removal. The procedural success rate was 92%. Only 1 patient required an additional stone removal procedure. No major adverse events occurred during or after the procedures. The percutaneous nephrostomy removal rate was 92%, with a median tube removal time of 5 weeks. The median procedural and pulsed fluoroscopy times were 106.5 and 16.3 minutes, respectively. Preliminary findings demonstrated that percutaneous renal stone removal using single-use endoscopes by interventional radiologists is feasible and safe.

A case report of sepsis associated coagulopathy after percutaneous nephrostomy.

BACKGROUND: Hemorrhage is a common complication of nephrostomy and percutaneous nephrolithotripsy, and it is caused by surgical factors. Here we report a rare case of hemorrhage caused by sepsis-related coagulation dysfunction. CASE PRESENTATION: A 72-years-old male patient with bilateral ureteral calculi accompanied by hydronephrosis and renal insufficiency developed sepsis and hemorrhage on the third day after bilateral nephrostomy. After vascular injury was excluded by DSA, the hemorrhage was considered to be sepsis-associated coagulopathy(SAC/SIC), finally the patient recovered well after active symptomatic treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with sepsis and hemorrhage, SAC/SIC cannot be excluded even if coagulation function is slightly abnormal after surgical factors are excluded. For urologists who may encounter similar cases in their general urology practice, it is important to be aware of these unusual causes of hemorrhage.

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.

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.

Comparison of RLP and PCNL for large pelvis calculi with CKD.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effect and safety of retroperitoneal laparoscopic pyelolithotomy (RLP) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for large pelvis calculi with chronic kidney disease (CKD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between June 2017 and July 2021, 62 patients with CKD and large renal pelvis calculi (>4 cm2) were treated with RLP. Another 62 patients receiving PCNL served as controls. The perioperative parameters were compared. All patients were followed up for at least 6 months with the stone-free rate and the recovery of renal function evaluated. RESULTS: Significantly longer operation time (101.47 ± 9.25 vs 62.55 ± 7.54 min), less drop in hemoglobin level (0.90 ± 0.38 vs 2.13 ± 0.80 g/dl), staged operations (0% vs 12.9%), postoperative fever (3.23% vs 16.13%) and delayed bowel movement (3.23% vs 14.52), and shorter hospitalization time (3.90 ± 1.66 vs 4.72 ± 1.80 days) were observed in the RLP group (p < 0.05). The stone-free rates were 100% in the RLP group and 88.7% in the PCNL group at the 3-months follow-up (p < 0.05). The serum creatinine level was significantly lower in the RLP group at 24 h (2.81 ± 1.18 vs 3.00 ± 1.15 mg/dl) and 1 week (2.08 ± 1.13 vs 2.34 ± 1.01 mg/dl) postoperatively (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although associated with a longer operation time, RLP is a safer and more efficient surgical option for CKD patients with large pelvic stones than PCNL.

The clinical role of bacteremia and bacterial spread into the irrigation fluid during percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a prospective study.

PURPOSE: Backflow of pathogens and endotoxins from the renal pelvis to the bloodstream is one supposed mechanism for infectious complications development after endourological stones surgery. The aim of this study is detecting to prove bacterial spread into irrigation fluid and bloodstream during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and to correlate these findings with clinical and microbiological parameters and infectious complications (IC). METHODS: Bladder urine culture (BUC) was retrieved before PCNL; during the procedure, 2 blood samples (BC) and an irrigation fluid sample during fragmentation (SFUC) were collected for culture. Stone culture (SC) was also obtained. Patients were evaluated post-operatively for IC. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients were prospectively included. IC occurred in 15 patients (24.6%). SFUC was positive in 7/61 (11.5%); BC in 10/61 (16.4%). Among patients with positive BC; BUC, SFUC and SC were positive in 9 (90%), 6 (60%), and 8 (80%) cases, respectively. Out of 10 patients with positive BC, 4 developed post-operative IC. Pre-operative renal impairment (p = 0.04), intraoperative-evaluated stone residual (p = 0.02), BUC (p = 0.004), and SC (p = 0.008) were associated with IC. No correlation was found between bacterial spread in the irrigation fluid and blood and IC. CONCLUSION: We proved that bacteria can be detected into the irrigation fluid and blood during PCNL. This transient bacteremia appears to be unrelated to IC development.

Advances in percutaneous renal puncture: a comprehensive review of the literature.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) constitutes the gold standard procedure for patients suffering from more than 2 cm renal stones. The puncture is a very critical step of PCNL, affecting manoeuvrability of the nephroscope, possibility to remove stone fragments, risk of bleeding and radiation exposure. The aim of the current review was to discuss the advances in percutaneous renal puncture. RECENT FINDINGS: Following technological evolution in medicine, there was a consistent development in the puncture techniques, aiming at the improvement of its efficacy and safety. The use of specific agents can improve ultrasonic guidance, making the challenging step of gaining access to the kidney easier for the experienced surgeon and more accessible for the resident urologist. Future developments in the electromagnetic and three-dimensional (3D) technology may establish a high level of accuracy with decreased rates of related complications, even in the hands of beginners. SUMMARY: The advances in percutaneous puncture can lead to improved safety and accuracy of this procedure decreasing the radiation exposure and the complication rate.

Percutaneous management of upper tract stones: from mini to maxi percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) continues as the gold standard for the surgical management of large renal stones. This short review is intended to highlight recent publications on PCNL of all tract sizes, from mini to standard. RECENT FINDINGS: Literature on PCNL in the last 2 years has focused on several main themes - decreasing complications, improving postoperative pain control, and new technology to improve outcomes. Mini-PCNL continues to prove effective and safe, with a new vacuum sheath showing promise of improving stone-free rates and decreasing infections. In terms of infections, preoperative midstream urine culture continues to be a poor indicator of postoperative infection. One of the biggest changes to PCNL practice is the reintroduction of tranexamic acid, which has shown to significantly decrease bleeding and improve outcomes. In terms of postoperative pain control, local blocks are effective and low risk. SUMMARY: There are many options for surgeons when it comes to PCNL from sheath size to pain management to preoperative medication to decrease bleeding. Future research will continue to highlight, which advances are the most beneficial.

Percutaneous management of caliceal diverticula: a narrative review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Caliceal diverticula are relatively uncommon within urologic practice and may be difficult to diagnose and treat. We aim to highlight contemporary studies examining surgical interventions for patients with caliceal diverticula, with a focus on percutaneous intervention, and provide updated practical recommendations for the management of these patients. RECENT FINDINGS: Studies within the last 3 years examining surgical treatment options for caliceal diverticular calculi are limited. When flexible ureteroscopy (f-URS) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) are examined within the same observational cohorts, PCNL is associated with improved stone-free rates (SFRs), lower requirement for re-intervention, and longer lengths of stay (LOS). Retrograde f-URS for the treatment of caliceal diverticula and diverticular calculi is associated with satisfactory safety and efficacy outcomes. There are no studies in the last 3 years that provide supporting evidence to use shock wave lithotripsy to treat caliceal diverticular calculi. SUMMARY: Recent studies examining surgical interventions for patients with caliceal diverticula are limited to small observational studies. Heterogeneity in LOS and follow-up protocol limits comparisons between series. Despite technological advancements in f-URS, PCNL appears to be associated with more favorable and definitive outcomes. PCNL continues to be the preferred treatment strategy for patients with symptomatic caliceal diverticula when deemed technically feasible.

Outcomes following Exchange and Upsizing of Malfunctioning Small-Caliber Double-J Ureteral Stents.

PURPOSE: To determine the effectiveness of exchange and upsizing of malfunctioning small-caliber double-J (JJ) ureteral stents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-one patients with malfunctioning cystoscopically placed small-caliber (6 or 7 F) JJ stents underwent transurethral (n = 28) or transrenal (n = 3) exchange and upsizing to a large-caliber (10 F) JJ stent from 2013 to 2022. Ureteral obstruction was malignant in 20 patients (65%) and benign in 11 (35%). Fifteen patients (48%) presented with persistent hydroureteronephrosis and 16 patients (52%) with worsening hydronephrosis. Acute kidney injury (AKI) was present in 19 patients (61%) at the time of stent malfunction. Therapeutic success was defined as resolution of hydronephrosis and AKI, if present. RESULTS: JJ stent exchange and upsizing was technically successful in 31 patients (100%) with no immediate adverse events. Therapeutic success was achieved in 27 patients (87%). During follow-up (median, 97 days; IQR, 32-205 days), 2 patients who initially achieved therapeutic success had stent malfunction, requiring conversion to percutaneous nephrostomy drainage (2/27, 7%). CONCLUSIONS: Exchange and upsizing to large-caliber JJ stents can relieve urinary obstruction and resolve AKI in patients with malfunctioning small-caliber JJ stents. Large-caliber JJ stents should be considered as a salvage option for patients who wish to continue internal drainage and avoid percutaneous nephrostomy.

Percutaneous Nephrostomy in Neonates and Young Infants.

PURPOSE: To describe a single-center experience of placing percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) tubes in neonates and young infants aged ≤3 months. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated PCN placement during a 19-year period. Medical records were reviewed for patient demographics, indications, procedure details, catheter-related adverse events, and outcomes. A total of 45 primary PCN insertions were attempted in 29 children (median age, 11 days [range, first day of life to 3 months]; median weight, 3.5 kg [range, 1.4-7.0 kg]). Salvage procedures resulted in 13 secondary catheters in 6 children. The most common indication was ureteropelvic junction obstruction (40.0%), and the most common urinary tract dilation classification was P3 (88.9%). RESULTS: Technical success for primary placements was 95.6%; both technical failures were due to loss of access in the same patient. Of primary placements, 76.7% were electively removed, 6.9% were dislodged but not replaced, and the remaining 16.3% required salvage procedures. Mechanical adverse events occurred in 20.9% of primary and 53.8% of secondary catheters, including partial retraction, complete dislodgement, and occlusion. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occurred in 18.6% of primary and 15.4% of secondary catheters. Urosepsis occurred in 2.3% of primary and 7.7% of secondary catheters. Median primary catheter dwell time was 41 days (range, 1-182 days) and median secondary catheter dwell time was 31 days (range, 10-107 days). CONCLUSION: PCN placement in neonates and young infants has a high technical success rate, although not without particular procedural and management challenges of catheter malfunction and UTI.

Evaluation of the safety and efficiency of color Doppler ultrasound-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy in clinical practice: results from a retrospective study.

This study evaluated the clinical value of color Doppler ultrasound-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in avoiding bleeding caused by punctured blood vessels. Herein, we retrospectively included patients who underwent color Doppler ultrasound-guided PCNL or PCNL using the conventional channel technique from August 2018 to August 2022. The clinical characteristics of patients during surgery, complications, and hospital stay were recorded and compared. Overall, 228 patients were enrolled, with 126 patients (age, 47.6 ± 13.2 years; men: 57.14%) in the color Doppler ultrasound-guided PCNL group and 102 patients (age, 46.6 ± 12.3 years) in the B-mode ultrasound-guided puncture group. The total operation time (63.5 ± 15.5 vs. 61.3 ± 16.3 min, p = .5236) and stone clearance rate (86.50% vs. 83.33%, p = .7139) were similar between the two groups. However, the puncture time for the color Doppler ultrasound-guided PCNL group was longer than that for the B-mode ultrasound-guided puncture group (5.1 ± 2.3 vs. 2.6 ± 1.6 min, p = .0019). Moreover, the length of postoperative hospital stay in the color Doppler ultrasound-guided PCNL group reduced significantly by ∼1 day compared with that in the B-mode ultrasound-guided puncture group (4.5 ± 1.6 vs. 5.6 ± 2.1 days, p = .0087). The blood transfusion rate (1.58% vs. 4.9%, p = .0399), sedation-related adverse event rate (0.79% vs. 2.9%, p = .0332), perineal hematoma incidence (0% vs. 2.94%, p < .0001), and serum decreased hemoglobin levels (12.2 ± 9.7 vs. 23.5 ± 10.1 g/L, p < .001) after color Doppler ultrasound-guided PCNL were significantly lower than those after B-mode ultrasound-guided puncture. The stone clearance rate was similar between the two groups, with a similar operation time. Moreover, color Doppler ultrasound-guided PCNL shortened the postoperative hospital stay and decreased Hb levels, blood transfusion rate, and perineal hematoma incidence.

Initial Experience of Simultaneous Combined use of Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy and Flexible Ureteroscopy in Complex Renal Calculi: A Novel Surgical Technique of 'Through-Through' Approach.

BACKGROUND: For complex branched renal calculi, the endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS) is worldwide prevalent. This study aimed to present a novel surgical technique of percutaneous nephrolithotomy combined with antegrade flexible ureteroscopy which is named 'Through-through' approach. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 68 patients with complex renal calculi who underwent combined PNL and flexible ureteroscopy surgery using 'Through-through' approach at our center between August 2019 and December 2021. The 'Through-through' approach to surgery was indicated in residual calyceal calculi that neither rigid nephroscope nor retrograde flexible ureteroscope could reach. The brief procedure of this technique involved determining the direction of targeted calyces with the nephroscope first, followed by putting flexible ureteroscope into the targeted calyx through the nephroscope instrument channel and basketing or dusting residual calculi through the flexible ureteroscope instrument channel. RESULTS: The mean maximum stone diameter was 4.0 ± 0.4 cm. The mean operative duration was 100.1 ± 18.0 minutes, and mean hemoglobin loss was 21.4 ± 5.1 g/L. In all 68 patients, calculi were cleared in 62 patients, and the stone free rate was 91.2%. Five patients underwent further surgery after 2 weeks because of significant residual calculi. One patient that had a 6 mm residual stone chose observational follow-up. Ten patients emerged with postoperative fever but did not progress to uroseptic shock. There were no Clavien grade ≥ III complications, and none of the patients required blood transfusion. CONCLUSION: The 'Through-through' approach is safe, feasible and effective for complex renal calculi patients. It is a complementary solution to the failed endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery.

One week pre-operative oral antibiotics for percutaneous nephrolithotomy reduce risk of infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this meta-analysis is to assess the efficacy of extended dose of preoperative antibiotics to reduce infectious risk in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search for prospective case-control studies or randomized controlled trials was done. PICO framework was used. POPULATION: adult patients that underwent to PCNL; Intervention: extended dose preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis before PCNL; Control: short dose preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis before PCNL; and Outcome: systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) or sepsis, fever after PCNL and positive intraoperative urine and stone culture. This meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO database under the number: CRD42022359589. RESULTS: Three RCT and two prospective studies (475 patients) were included. SIRS/sepsis outcome was retrieved from all studies included. Seven days preoperative oral antibiotics for PCNL was a protective factor for developing SIRS/sepsis (OR 0.366, 95% CI 0.234 - 0.527, p < 0.001). There was no statistical association between seven-day use of antibiotics and fever (OR 0.592, 95% CI 0.147 - 2.388, p = 0.462). Patients who received seven days preoperative antibiotics had lower positive intraoperative urine culture (OR 0.284, 95% CI 0.120 - 0.674, p = 0.004) and stone culture (OR 0.351, 95% CI 0.185 - 0.663, p = 0.001) than the control group. CONCLUSION: one week of prophylactic oral antibiotics based on local bacterial sensitivity pattern plus a dose of intravenous antibiotics at the time of surgery in patients undergoing PCNL reduces the risk of infection.

Primary retrograde urinary drainage using image and endoscopy guidance via urostomies.

AIM: To report the technical success of image and endoscopy-guided retrograde trans-urostomy urinary drainage as a primary catheter placement method performed by interventional radiology (IR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine patients (15 attempted drain placements) with ureteric obstruction following radical cystectomy and urostomy creation were included. The patients were referred to IR for urinary drainage. All patients underwent primary image and endoscopy-guided retrograde trans-urostomy urinary drainage. RESULTS: Primary image and endoscopy-guided retrograde trans-urostomy urinary drainage was successful in 13/15 (86.6%) attempts. The proposed technique had a limited complication rate omitting the percutaneous nephrostomy access step. CONCLUSION: Primary image and endoscopy guided retrograde trans-urostomy urinary drainage should be considered before percutaneous nephrostomy in all patients with a urostomy.

Reasons and risk factors for delayed discharge after day-surgery percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

BACKGROUND: Day-surgery percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is being developed quickly but some potential factors are affecting the recovery process. This study is aim to analyze the reasons and risk factors for delayed discharge after day-surgery PCNL. METHODS: The data of 205 patients who accepted day-surgery PCNL in our institution between January 2018 and February 2020 were analyzed, retrospectively. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the risk factors for delayed discharge. Besides, the nomogram prediction model was established by the multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The rate of delayed discharge was 14.6%. Independent risk factors for delayed discharge were larger stone burden (odds ratio [OR] = 3.814, P = 0.046), positive urine nitrite (OR = 1.001, P = 0.030), longer duration of surgery (OR = 1.020, P = 0.044), multiple nephrostomy tubes (OR = 4.282, P = 0.008). The five main reasons that caused delayed discharge included psychological reasons, pain, bleeding, urosepsis, and urine leakage. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified some independent risk factors for a hospital length of stay longer than 24 h. Patients with larger renal stones or positive urine nitrite may be at increased risk of delayed discharge after day-surgery PCNL. Reducing surgery time and nephrostomy tubes will help to facilitate recovery.

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.

Renal pelvis mucosal artery hemorrhage after percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a rare case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Following a percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) procedure, the most common complications are considered to be intraoperative and postoperative bleeding. Many patients with postoperative bleeding can be treated conservatively, causing the perirenal hematoma to resolve spontaneously. The major causes of severe postoperative bleeding are pseudoaneurysms, arteriovenous fistula, and segmental arterial injury. Typically, the first choice of treatment to manage severe bleeding complications is selective angioembolization (SAE) because of the very high success rate associated with this procedure. CASE PRESENTATION: This clinical case involves a 56-year-old man who underwent dual-channel PCNL treatment after diagnosing a left kidney staghorn stone and urinary tract infection. The operation was successful, with no apparent signs of bleeding. Tests revealed continued decreasing hemoglobin levels following the procedure. After the conservative treatment failed, renal angiography was performed immediately, indicating renal pelvis mucosal artery hemorrhage. In the three hours post-surgery, the SAE still failed to prevent bleeding. Further discussions led to formulating a new surgical plan using a nephroscope to enter the initial channel where hemostasis began. The hemostasis origin was found precisely in the mucosal artery next to the channel during the operation and was successfully controlled. CONCLUSIONS: This case reveals there is poor communication and inadequate discussions about the potential failures of an SAE procedure. Swift clinical decision-making is imperative when dealing with high-level renal trauma to prevent delays in surgery that can threaten the safety of patients.

Nomogram for predicting risk factor of urosepsis in patients with diabetes after percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

BACKGROUND: Urosepsis is an infectious complication after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). This study aimed to analyze the perioperative factors related to urosepsis after PCNL for upper urinary calculi and establish a nomogram to predict the probability of postoperative urosepsis based on the risk factors. METHODS: The Clinical data of one-stage PCNL for upper urinary stones in patients already diagnosed with type 2 diabetes between June 2010 and June 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether urosepsis occurred after surgery, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses evaluated the risk factors for urosepsis. Moreover, the corresponding nomogram prediction model was determined by the regression coefficient. RESULTS: All 366 patients with diabetes underwent one-stage PCNL. Seventy-one (19.4%) patients had urosepsis after surgery, and their hospitalization time was longer than that of patients without urosepsis. Moreover, the incidence of non-infection-related complications was higher. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed four independent risk factors associated with postoperative urosepsis, including positive urine nitrite (odds ratio [OR] = 3.326, P = 0.007), positive urine culture (OR = 2.213, P = 0.023), intraoperative hypotension (OR = 8.968, P < 0.001), and staghorn calculi (OR = 3.180, P = 0.002). The above independent risk factors were used as variables to construct the nomogram. The nomogram model was internally validated. The calculated concordance index was 0.824. The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test was performed (P = 0.972 > 0.05). The area under the curve of this model was 0.831, indicating that the nomogram model had good accuracy in predicting the probability of urosepsis in patients who underwent PCNL with diabetes and had good consistency with the actual risk. CONCLUSION: Positive urine culture, positive urine nitrite, staghorn calculi, and intraoperative hypotension were independent risk factors for urosepsis in patients who underwent one-stage PCNL with diabetes. The new nomogram could accurately assess the risk of urosepsis after PCNL in patients with diabetes.

Can trajectory nor-epinephrine infiltration reduce blood loss during percutaneous nephrolithotomy? A double-blinded randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy and safety of trajectory infiltration with 1:150 000 Norepinephrine (NE) in reducing blood loss during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial. In all, 140 consecutive patients underwent PCNL for the management of large renal calculi. They were randomly assigned (1:1) to one of either study groups, the NE-PCNL group (70 patients whose PCNL-trajectory was infiltrated by NE) or the Placebo group (saline PCNL) (70 patients whose PCNL tracts were infiltrated by normal saline). Procedure-related blood loss (the primary outcome) was assessed and statistically analyzed. Also, all other procedure-related events and complications were recorded and compared. RESULTS: The median blood loss was 378 ml (IQR: 252-504) in the NE-PCNL group versus 592 ml (IQR: 378-756) in the S-PCNL group (p < 0.0001). In addition, Hemoglobin and Hematocrit deficits were lower in NE-PCNL (p < 0.05). Patients who were randomized to the NE-PCNL group had a higher immediate stone-free rate (SFR) (80%) compared with those of the S-PCNL group (70%) (p = 0.034). However, no statistical differences were found in the final SFR. The reported overall complications between the 2 groups were similar (p > 0.05). Indeed, bleeding-related complications were 1 (1.4%) versus 10 (14.3%) for NE-PCNL and S-PCNL, respectively (p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Trajectory infiltration of PCNL tracts by NE was found to be effective and safe in mitigation of PCNL-related blood loss. This step is a timeless and cost-effective as NE is readily available in surgical theaters and of very low cost.