经皮肾镜气压弹道碎石结合钬激光治疗复杂性肾结石

目的:探讨采用经皮肾镜气压弹道碎石结合钬激光碎石治疗复杂性肾结石的疗效。方法:回顾性分析2003年6月~2006年3月采用经皮肾碎石取石术治疗38例复杂性肾结石患者的资料。结果:一期取石29例,结石清除率76.3%(29/38);二期取石9例,结石清除率89.5%(34/38)。平均手术时间110min,术中估计失血量平均80ml,2例术后需输血,15例术后48h内发热。无肾切除、肾盂穿孔、气胸、感染性休克等并发症发生。结论:经皮肾镜气压弹道碎石联合钬激光碎石治疗复杂性肾结石,具有创伤小、恢复快等优点,是一种安全有效的方法。     

Percutaneous nephroscopic with holmium laser and ultrasound lithotripsy for complicated renal calculi

The aim of this work is to validate the clinical efficacy of the high-power holmium:YAG laser with percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PCNL) in combination with ultrasound lithotripsy for complicated renal calculi. From November 2006 to December 2007, 60 patients with complicated renal calculi were treated with PCNL, where an F24 standard renal access tract was established by percutaneous renal puncture under the guidance of B-mode ultrasound, and stones were fragmented and cleared by high-power holmium laser in combination with ultrasound under an F20.8 nephroscope. Of the 60 patients with complicated renal calculi, 20 were complete staghorn calculi and 30 were partial staghorn calculi, of which six patients were accompanied with renal insufficiency; two were solitary calculi, and eight were caliceal diverticular calculi. Calculi were removed by one attempt in 49 patients and by two attempts in 11 patients; through one tract in 50 patients and through two and three tracts in ten patients. The stone-free rate was 81.7%. No injury to the pleura and abdominal organs occurred during the intraoperative puncture. No postoperative blood transfusion was needed in any patient, nor did fever and secondary hemorrhage occur. The mean operation duration was 98 min (range, 60–150 min), and the mean lithotripsy time was 45 min (range, 30–85 min). Additional postoperative extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) was performed on six patients. High-power holmium laser PCNL in combination with ultrasound lithotripsy is safe, effective, and minimally invasive, with a high stone-free rate, especially for complicated renal calculi.     

电子输尿管软镜钬激光碎石治疗一期单通道经皮肾镜术后残石的安全性及疗效

目的总结电子输尿管软镜钬激光碎石治疗一期单通道经皮肾镜取石术（PCNL）术后残石的安全性及疗效。方法回顾性分析我院2010年5月至2012年12月期间,使用电子软性输尿管镜钬激光碎石术处理一期单通道经皮肾镜取石术后残石41例,男22例,女19例,平均年龄（44±12）岁。术前结石均为复杂性鹿角形肾结石,术后残石3例位于上盏,6例结石位于中盏,7例位于下盏,25例为多个肾盏残石,单枚结石9例,结石直径15～25mm;其余均为多枚结石,结石直径4-25mm。再次手术时间为PCNL术后1-4周,软性输尿管镜碎石前,造瘘管已拔除23例,仍保留肾造瘘管18例。结果41例患者均顺利地置入电子输尿管软镜,平均手术时间（83±31）min,术后平均住院时间（3-1）d。均无肾盂输尿管严重损伤、大出血、急性肾功能不全、感染性休克等并发症。术后3个月复查超声或CT提示,有意义结石残留（≥4mm）5例：2例为下盏残石,3例为多盏残石。中上盏碎石成功率100％（9／9）,下盏为85．7％（6／7）,多盏为84．0％（21／25）。保留肾造瘘管及拔除肾造瘘管患者再次手术时间、术后住院时间、结石清除率及术后发热均无显著性差异。结论在一期单通道PCNL减轻肾结石负荷的情况下,电子输尿管软镜下钬激光碎石能有效清除残余结石,并发症少,可选择性地作为单通道一期PCNL术后残留结石的治疗。     

Flexible ureterorenoscopy versus miniaturized PNL for solitary renal calculi of 10�C30?mm size

Introduction

The value of flexible ureterorenoscopy (fURS) and miniaturized PNL (mPNL) for larger renal calculi is under discussion. This non-randomized prospective study aimed to evaluate fURS and mPNL for solitary renal stones of 10?C30?mm size.

Materials and methods

fURS was carried out in 21 patients with last generation 7.5F endoscopes. Ureteral access sheaths were used in 19 patients. For mPNL, an 18F modified Amplatz sheath with a 14F nephroscope were used (n?=?25). The procedure was performed either tubeless with an antegrade stent or a nephrostomy. Outcome and complications of both procedures were assessed.

Results

Patients?? demographics and stone sizes were comparable (18?±?5 vs. 19?±?4?mm, P?=?0.08). Patients in the fURS group had a higher mean BMI (31 vs. 27, P?P?P?P?P?P?=?0.13). No major complications (Clavien III?CV) occured in both groups.

Conclusions

Our series supports both the concept of either percutaneous or retrograde endoscopic treatment for renal calculi with both modalities offering excellent safety. However, while for fURS, a significantly higher rate of 2nd-stage procedures was necessary, and mPNL led to faster and higher SFR without increasing complication rate.     

Staged single-tract minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy and flexible ureteroscopy in the treatment of staghorn stone in patients with solitary kidney

The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of staged single-tract minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL) and flexible ureteroscopy as a minimally invasive option in the treatment of staghorn stone in patients with a solitary kidney. A total of 24 patients with staghorn stone in a solitary kidney were treated with single-tract MPCNL and flexible ureteroscopy by a single surgeon. All the patients underwent single-tract MPCNL through a 20 F tract and had most of the intrarenal calculi removed at the first stage. The second stage of retrograde flexible ureteroscopy was performed 3–5?days later, after the drainage was cleared. The preoperative patient, characteristics, stone size, operative time, renal functional status and postoperative outcomes were then evaluated. Sixteen patients were partial staghorn (66.7?%), and other eight were complete staghorn (33.3?%). The overall stone-free rate was 83.3?% after the second-stage procedures, and only four patients had significant residue. The hemoglobin drop ranged from 1.1 to 3.7?g/dl, and three patients required blood transfusion. The mean serum creatinine value was 1.7?±?0.5?mg/dl before surgery and 1.3?±?0.4?mg/dl at the end of the follow-up period with statistical significance (P?<?0.05). None of the patients had increased serum creatinine, and needed dialysis at the end of the follow-up period. Staged single-tract MPCNL and flexible ureteroscopy are safe and effective for the management of staghorn stone in patients with a solitary kidney and even in patients with impaired renal functions.     

经皮肾镜联合不同软镜治疗鹿角形肾结石的研究

目的：评价单通道经皮肾镜联合不同软镜下钬激光碎石治疗鹿角形肾结石的手术效果。方法：B超引导穿刺,单通道经皮肾镜联合膀胱软镜和输尿管软镜,行钬激光碎石治疗鹿角形。肾结石93例。结石直径2．6～5．4cm。结果：93例均采用单通道经皮。肾镜联合软镜下钬激光碎石,一期手术平均手术时间为108min,完全清除率为83．9％（78／93）,二期手术平均手术时间为43min,结石完全清除率87．5％（7／8）。全部病例均无肾盂穿孔、气胸、腹腔内脏器官损伤等严重并发症发生。结论：单通道经皮。肾镜联合不同软镜下钬激光碎石治疗鹿角形肾结石具有碎石成功率和结石排净率高、创伤小、手术时间短、并发症少、周围脏器损伤风险小等优点,是一种治疗鹿角状肾结石的理想方法。     

Pediatric urolithiasis: 15 years of local experience with minimally invasive endourological management of pediatric calculi

PURPOSE: We sought to identify whether changes in technology and local practice have improved outcomes in the minimally invasive management of pediatric stone disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively case notes and imaging from 1988 to 2003, noting treatment modality, stone-free rates, ancillary therapy and complications. RESULTS: A total of 122 children (140 renal units) with a mean age of 7.7 years underwent 209 extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) sessions. Stone size ranged from 6 to 110 mm. Stone-free rates were 84% for cases involving stones smaller than 20 mm, and 54% for those involving stones 20 mm or greater. For complex calculi 40% of patients were stone-free and 45% required ancillary procedures, with an overall complication rate of 26%. A total of 37 children (43 renal units) with a mean age of 6.4 years underwent 46 percutaneous nephrolithotomies (PCNLs). Stone size ranged from 8 to 155 mm. The overall stone-free rate was 79%. Of these patients 34% required ancillary procedures, with a major complication rate of 6%. A total of 35 children (35 renal units) with a mean age of 5.9 years underwent 53 ureteroscopies. Holmium laser was the most effective treatment modality in this group, with a 100% stone-free rate and no complications. CONCLUSIONS: For most renal stones smaller than 20 mm SWL was the most effective primary treatment modality. There was no statistical difference between the 2 lithotriptors for stone-free or ancillary procedure rate. The stone-free rate was dependent on stone size rather than type of lithotriptor. For renal stones 20 mm or greater and staghorn calculi we switched from SWL to PCNL as primary treatment, as stone-free rates were higher and the ancillary procedure and re-treatment rates were lower with PCNL. Electrohydraulic lithotripsy and pulse dye laser were initially used to treat ureteral stones. However, with the introduction of holmium laser technology we achieved higher stone-free rates and lower complication rates. Holmium laser lithotripsy is now used as a primary treatment modality for ureteral stones.     

Single upper-pole percutaneous access for treatment of > or = 5-cm complex branched staghorn calculi: is shockwave lithotripsy necessary?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy for staghorn calculi is reported to have a residual stone rate of 28%, while shockwave lithotripsy alone results in residual stones in approximately 50% of cases. Combination therapy, sandwich therapy, and multiple percutaneous accesses have also been advocated for staghorn stones. We believe these stones can often be removed with a staged procedure via a single upper-pole percutaneous access using flexible nephroscopy and the holmium:YAG laser. Our experience is reviewed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The hospital records of patients having a cumulative stone burden > or =5 cm who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PCNL) for a single complex staghorn calculus were reviewed. There were 15 male and 34 female patients having 45 complete and 7 partial staghorn calculi constituting a mean stone burden of 6.7 cm (range 5.0-10.0 cm). A calix was punctured that would provide access to the majority of the involved calices. Thirty-five renal units were approached through a single upper-pole percutaneous access, and four and six renal units were accessed through single middle or lower-pole calices, respectively. The remaining seven renal units were treated with multiple percutaneous accesses. RESULTS: In the renal units having only a single access, a mean of 1.6 (range 1-3) procedures were required to achieve stone-free status. The mean operating room time was 2.9 hours (range 2.0-3.5 hours). For the second PCNL, the mean operating room time was 63 minutes (range 30-90 minutes). Two patients (two renal units) had residual stones <1 cm in diameter. One refused additional surgery, and the other is awaiting further treatment. The mean estimated blood loss was 238 mL (range 50-800 mL), with only one procedure (2.2%) necessitating a blood transfusion. One (2.8%) hydrothorax developed among the 35 upper-pole puncture cases. Six patients had transient oral temperature readings >101 degrees F with negative blood cultures. Other early complications included single cases of leg cellulitis, atrial fibrillation, and noncardiac chest pain. There were no delayed surgical complications. Patients were discharged from the hospital a mean 2 days (range 1-10 days) after the first PCNL. CONCLUSION: Use of flexible nephroscopy with holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy and Nitinol basket stone extraction has allowed us to render staghorn-containing renal units stone free in a mean of 1.6 procedures. Of the 45 renal units treated through a single percutaneous access, 43 (95%) were rendered stone free. The holmium:YAG laser appears to be a safe lithotrite for the kidney, as no complications occurred from its use.     

A review study to evaluate holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy with flexible ureteroscopy in patients on ongoing oral anticoagulant therapy

The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of flexible ureteroscopy (FURS) and holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy for the treatment of upper urinary tract stones in patients on active oral anticoagulants. The records of 1081 patients who underwent flexible ureteroscopic holmium:YAG (Ho:YAG) laser lithotripsy for upper ureteral and renal calculi from 1999 to 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 84 patients on continuous oral anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy (warfarin, aspirin, or clopidogrel) were identified. Of these patients, 40 were on warfarin, 25 on aspirin, 11 on clopidogrel, and 8 on both aspirin and clopidogrel. The drugs were not discontinued. The baseline characteristics, indications for anticoagulation therapy, perioperative data, stone-free rate, and complications were documented. Evaluation of outcomes was assessed at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up postoperatively. Mean stone size was 19.7 ± 9.4 (range 8 to 31 mm). Twenty patients had upper ureteral and 64 patients had intrarenal calculi. Two patients had bilateral renal calculi. Mean operation time was 78.2 ± 23.8 min (range 17 to 144 min). Two procedures (2.3%) in warfarin group were terminated due to persistent bleeding causing visual impairment. No transfusions were required. The mean serum hemoglobin levels did not change significantly (12.9 ± 3.7 to 12.2 ± 3.3 g/dL). No thromboembolic or cardiac adverse events were observed perioperatively. The double-j (DJ) ureteral catheterization time was 29.6 ± 9.3 days (range 14 to 68 days) and the hospital stay was 1.6 ± 0.6 days (range 1 to 4). The stone-free rate was 95.2% (80 patients) at 6 months. Flexible ureteroscopic Ho:YAG laser lithotripsy in patients requiring long-term anticoagulation therapy seems to be a safe and effective procedure and should be considered as a first-line treatment option in such patients for the surgical management of upper urinary tract stones.     

输尿管软镜取石术治疗经皮肾镜术残留肾结石12例报告

目的:评估输尿管软镜取石术治疗经皮肾镜取石术(PCNL)残留肾结石的效果。方法:利用输尿管软镜治疗PCNL残留肾结石12例,男8例,女4例;平均年龄42.6岁。左侧5例,右侧3例。KUB测量结石直径为0.7~2.6cm,平均1.4cm。经留置输尿管扩张鞘或沿导丝直接置入输尿管软镜抵达肾盂,寻及结石后以200μm光纤、10 W功率钬激光碎石。观察其手术时间、结石清除率、并发症等疗效指标。结果:本组12例均顺利完成输尿管软镜碎石,手术时间68~116min,平均92min;结石清除率为83.3%(10/12)。1例结石残留患者另作穿刺通道行二期PCNL后结石完全清除;1例术后行ESWL仍有少量结石残留,随访观察。均无严重出血及输尿管穿孔等并发症。结论:输尿管软镜取石术治疗PCNL后残留肾石安全、有效。     

小功率钬激光经皮肾输尿管镜碎石术联合冲击波碎石治疗复杂性肾结石

目的探讨小功率钬激光经皮。肾输尿管镜碎石术联合体外冲击波碎石治疗复杂性肾结石的有效性和安全性。方法应用小功率（20W：0．6～0．8J×10-20Hz）钬激光经皮肾穿刺微造瘘输尿管镜配合体外冲击波治疗复杂性肾结石31例,分析小功率钬激光碎石术联合体外冲击波碎石的碎石时间、结石排净率、并发症等。结果平均碎石时间为85min（60—120min）,总的取净率为87．09％（27／31）;术中出血量估计平均为80ml．术后3例患者出现高热,无其他严重并发症。结论小功率钬激光经皮肾输尿管镜碎石术联合体外冲击波碎石治疗复杂性肾结石是一种安全、有效的方法。     

钬激光治疗泌尿系结石

目的 探讨输尿管镜钬激光治疗输尿管结石的有效性和安全性。方法采用输尿管镜钬激光技术治疗168例输尿管结石,其中输尿管上段结石27例,中段结石33例,下段结石108例;经尿道膀胱镜钬激光技术治疗膀胱结石12例。术后4～6周复查计算各自结石排净率(排净例数／例数)。结果输尿管上、中、下段结石的排净率分别为93％(25／27)、94％(31／33)、94％(102／108),并发症为5％(8／168);而膀胱结石的排净率为100％,无并发症。结论输尿管镜钬激光是治疗输尿管结石的有效、安全方法。     

经皮肾造瘘大功率钬激光碎石术治疗复杂性肾结石35例报告

目的探讨经皮肾造瘘大功率钬激光碎石术治疗复杂性肾结行的疗效。方法采用经皮肾造瘘大功率（40～60W）钬激光碎石术治疗35例复杂性肾结石。伴肾盂输尿管连接部狭窄（UPJO）的5例同时行钬激光内切开。结果35例手术均成功,平均碎石时间65min。29例（82．9％）单次碎石后排净结仃,残余结石6例,经ESWL1～3次治疗后结石排净。34例随诊半年,无结石残留或复发。UPJO者尿流通畅,无再狭窄发生。结论经皮肾造瘘大功率钬激光碎石术具有创伤小,碎石快,安全可靠等优点,术后残石可经ESWL后排出,是治疗复杂性肾结石的有效方法。     

超声引导下针状肾镜联合标准通道PCNL治疗鹿角形结石的安全性和有效性

目的总结超声引导下针状肾镜联合标准通道经皮肾镜取石术(percutaneous nephrolithotomy,PCNL)治疗鹿角形结石的初步临床应用经验,探讨其安全性和有效性。方法回顾性分析2017年12月至2019年6月北京清华长庚医院收治的65例鹿角形结石患者的临床资料。男41例,女24例。年龄(53.5±8.9)岁。体质指数(25.1±2.9)kg/m2。结石最大径(10.9±3.1)cm。双侧鹿角形结石3例,完全鹿角形结石38例。术前无积水或轻度积水36例。既往有同侧肾结石手术史12例。孤立肾9例。65例均行超声引导下针状肾镜联合标准通道PCNL。手术采用全麻,患者取俯卧位。超声引导下经皮肾穿刺扩张后建立F24标准皮肾通道,肾镜下应用气压弹道联合超声负压吸引清石系统处理鹿角形结石主体。针状肾镜由F4.2针状金属外鞘和通过螺旋接口相连接的三通管针柄组成,三通管的3个接头可分别置入0.6 mm视频光纤、200μm钬激光光纤和连接液体灌注装置。标准通道肾镜碎石后残留的平行盏结石采用超声引导下针状肾镜穿刺进入目标盏后,连接钬激光光纤进行碎石。结果本研究65例中,3例为双侧结石,共68侧手术。中位手术时间为79.8(45~129)min。通道建立时间中位值为4.8(2.5~9.6)min。术中标准通道建立中位值为1.5(1~3)个,针状肾镜穿刺中位值为1.0(1~3)次。术后第1天血红蛋白下降中位值为10.6(0~25.9)g/L。术后住院时间中位值为5.5(4~7)d。总并发症发生率为10.3%(7例),其中ClavienⅠ级5例,包括术后发热2例,镇痛剂使用3例;ClavienⅡ级2例,均为输血。一期结石清除率79.4%(54/68)。14例有残石者中,9例行二期手术治疗,其中7例残石被清除,最终结石清除率为89.7%(61/68)。结论采用超声引导下针状肾镜联合标准通道PCNL治疗鹿角形结石是安全、有效的,术后早期清石率较高,并发症发生率较低。     

输尿管软镜下钬激光碎石治疗经皮肾镜取石术后残留结石

目的探讨输尿管软镜下钬激光治疗经皮。肾镜取石术后残留结石的疗效。方法收集经皮肾镜取石术后残留结石患者43例,残石直径6—30mm。经留置输尿管扩张鞘置入Wolf输尿管软镜（6／8．8F,上下弯180／270°）抵达肾盂,以200μm光纤,〈30W钬激光粉碎残留结石,较大碎石用取石篮取出。结果43例患者均找到残余结石,结石寻及率100％（43／43）,42例患者成功粉碎结石,碎石成功率97．7％（42／43）。8例联合经皮肾镜碎石取石,无严重并发症发生。结论输尿管软镜钬激光碎石治疗经皮肾镜取石术后残留结石安全、有效。     

The optimal minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy strategy for the treatment of staghorn stones in a solitary kidney

The objective of the study was to analyze the treatment outcomes for staghorn stones in patients with solitary kidney using either the single-tract or the multi-tract minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL). We retrospectively reviewed 105 patients who underwent MPCNL for staghorn calculi in solitary kidney from 2012 to 2014. The patients who underwent the single-tract approach (71 patients) were assigned to Group 1. The 34 patients who underwent the multi-tract approach (34 patients) were assigned to Group 2. We recorded and compared the patient’s demographics, intraoperative parameters, and post-operative outcomes. We also analyzed any complications as a result of the particular procedure, as well as any resulting stone-free rates (SFRs). The mean number of access tracts was 2.38 ± 0.70 (range 2–4) for Group 2. The mean operative time was longer for Group 2, p = 0.01. The initial SFR was 52.1 % for Group 1 and 47.1 % for Group 2 after the one-session procedure, p = 0.63.The final SFR improved to 83.1 and 79.4 % for both groups following auxiliary treatment, p = 0.65. The mean hemoglobin drop was higher in Group 2 as compared to Group 1, p < 0.01. There was no significant difference in the change of mean serum creatinine in either group. There were fewer overall complications in Group 1 than in Group 2 (23.9 vs. 44.1 %). Almost half of the patients who underwent multi-tract MPCNL required an additional procedure to achieve satisfactory stone clearance. The results showed that single-tract MPCNL might be a better treatment option for staghorn stones in a solitary kidney with the same therapeutic outcome, but with less complications.     

A comparison of holmium:YAG laser with Lithoclast lithotripsy in ureteral calculi fragmentation

PURPOSE: Among various intracorporeal lithotriptors, Lithoclast (EMS, Switzerland) has become the widely used tool for the treatment of urinary stones. Recently, the holmium:YAG laser has been used with a wide range of potential urological applications, including intracorporeal lithotripsy of urinary calculi. The purpose of the present study is to compare Lithoclast with holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy in ureteral calculi fragmentation. METHODS: Out of 51 patients with ureteral calculi, 26 underwent Lithoclast lithotripsy and 25 holmium:YAG lithotripsy using a 8/9.8F rigid ureteroscope. There were no changes to the ureteroscopes, video monitors, baskets or irrigation devices during the study period. RESULTS: There were no differences in patient age, sex, stone size and location of stones between these groups. The immediate stone-free rates were 96.0% in the holmium:YAG group and 73.1% in the Lithoclast group (P < 0.05). The 3-month stone-free rates were 96.0% and 84.6%, respectively (P = 0.350). The mean operation time and mean period of postoperative hospitalization in the holmium:YAG group (49.8 min and 1.0 days, respectively) were shorter than those of the Lithoclast counterpart (76.9 min and 2.5 days, respectively). Post-treatment complications, such as ureteral perforation, were encountered in only two patients who underwent Lithoclast. CONCLUSIONS: Holmium:YAG lithotripsy was associated with shorter operation time and postoperative hospitalization period. These data also suggest that holmium:YAG lithotripsy was safe and more effective than Lithoclast lithotripsy in the aspect of immediate stone free rate. We believe that holmium:YAG laser is an excellent treatment modality for managing ureteral calculi.     

输尿管软镜和体外冲击波治疗单通道经皮肾镜术后残石的比较

目的探讨输尿管软镜钬激光碎石（fURS）治疗单通道经皮肾镜碎石取石术（PCNL）治疗复杂性结石后残余结石的临床价值。 方法回顾性选择2014年1月至2016年12月来我院接受单通道PCNL治疗复杂性肾结石后出现残余结石<20 mm的患者105例。根据处理残石方法不同而分为试验组（fURS，n=60例）和对照组[体外冲击波碎石术（ESWL），n=45例]，并分析比较两组患者的一般资料、围手术期参数、并发症的情况。 结果试验组患者在平均手术时间、手术成功率、结石清除率、需要再次治疗率方面明显优于对照（t或χ²分别为6.255，7.415，9.358，10.423；P值分别为<0.001，0.006，0.002，0.001），试验组患者术后疼痛、肾功能减退方面的并发症例数少于对照组，且总的并发症发生率显著低于对照组（χ²=6.369，P=0.012）。 结论针对单通道PCNL后残余结石的患者，相对于ESWL，fURS治疗后结石清除率更高，且术后并发症的更低，安全性高，值得在临床上推广。     

Treatment of proximal ureteral calculi: holmium:YAG laser ureterolithotripsy versus extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy

PURPOSE: We compared the safety and efficacy of ureteroscopy with intracorporeal holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) (Dornier Medical Systems, Inc., Marietta, Georgia) for proximal ureteral calculi. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 67 patients underwent 81 primary procedures, including in situ ESWL with a DoLi 50 lithotriptor (Dornier Medical Systems, Inc.) or ureteroscopy combined with holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy for proximal ureteral calculi. RESULTS: Of the primary procedures 81 involved proximal ureteral calculi, including 35 done for calculi 1 cm. or greater. The initial stone-free rate in patients with calculi 1 cm. or greater was 93% for ureteroscopy combined with holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy and 50% for in situ ESWL. The efficiency quotient for treating proximal ureteral calculi 1 cm. or greater was calculated as 0.76 for ureteroscopic lithotripsy and 0.43 for ESWL. For proximal ureteral calculi less than 1 cm. the initial stone-free rate was 100% and 80% for ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy and ESWL, respectively. The efficiency quotient was calculated as 0.81 for ureteroscopic lithotripsy and 0.72 for ESWL for treating proximal ureteral calculi less than 1 cm. There were no major complications in either group and all procedures were performed on an outpatient basis. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that ureteroscopy combined with holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy is an acceptable treatment modality for all proximal ureteral calculi and excellent results are achieved for calculi 1 cm. or larger. Although the stone-free rate was better for smaller stones with ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy, efficiency quotients were similar. Therefore, ESWL should remain first line therapy for proximal ureteral calculi less than 1 cm. because of less morbidity, and a lesser anesthesia and analgesic requirement.     

The Efficacy of Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Using Pneumatic Lithotripsy vs. the Holmium Laser: a Randomized Study

The objective of the study is to compare the efficacy of percutaneous nephrolithotomy using holmium laser vs pneumatic lithotripsy. From August 2010 to March 2014, 200 patients with double kidney and single kidney stones without previous operations or other diseases were randomized into two groups according to the type of lithotripter used: pneumatic (n?=?100) and laser (n?=?100). The preoperative, intraoperative, and post-operative follow-up findings were analyzed and compared. The average stone size was similar in both the pneumatic and holmium laser lithotripsy groups (202.8?±?52.6 mm² vs. 200.3?±?50.8 mm²). No significant difference was found between the operation time for the two groups (55.9?±?16.5 min vs. 62.4?±?17.6 min). The concentrations of creatinine in both groups increased 2–24 h after the operation and decreased to a normal level 1–4 days after the operation in both groups. Renal diuretic scan revealed that the peak and the renal index were both abnormal after the operation but became normal 4 days after the operation in both groups. No significant difference of creatinine concentration or the diuresis renogram was observed between the two groups. However, two cases in the holmium laser group had almost lost the renal function of the operated kidney 1 year later. Both pneumatic and holmium laser lithotripsy can be associated with acute renal injury in some patients after the operation without any significant difference. However, some infrequent severe renal function damage in laser lithotripsy should be noted.