Impact of percutaneous access point number and location on complication and success rates in percutaneous nephrolithotomy

OBJECTIVES: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) is sometimes associated with complications, especially in patients with complex stones. Herein, we review our experience with PNL to determine the impact of percutaneous access number and location on success and complication rates. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During a 2-year period, a total of 275 patients with a mean age of 42.3 +/- 14.8 (range: 13-75) years underwent PNL. Stones were classified as simple in 51.6%, and complex (staghorn calculi or renal pelvis stones coexisting with caliceal stones) in 48.4%. Percutaneous access was done under C-armed fluoroscopy and the tract was formed with a high-pressure balloon dilation system. One single percutaneous access was sufficient in 210 (76.4%), while 2 accesses were utilized in 44 (16%), and > or =3 accesses in 21 cases (7.6%). Supracostal access was performed in 23 (8.4%) patients. RESULTS: An overall success rate of 94.9% was achieved. Stone location, but not the access point location, was the major determinant for success, which was 99.3 and 90.2% in patients with simple and complex stones, respectively (p < 0.01). Significant complications included bleeding necessitating blood transfusion in 28 (10.2%), and hydropneumothorax in 2 (0.7%) patients. Bleeding was observed in 39.1 and 7.5% of patients managed with supracostal access, and subcostal access, respectively (p < 0.01). An increased number of access points significantly augmented the risk for bleeding. Bleeding was encountered in 7.6% of patients managed with 1 percutaneous access point, and in 18.5% of cases managed with > or =2 access points (p < 0.05). Hydropneumothorax occurred in patients with supracostal access. CONCLUSION: Supracostal access as well as multiple punctures may be needed especially in the management of complex stones, and the need for multiple access points and supracostal access significantly increases complication rates.     

Ureteroscopic management of recurrent renal cystine calculi

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Patients with recurrent cystine nephrolithiasis oftentimes require multiple procedures for stone removal. As the majority of cystine stones are resistant to the effects of shockwave lithotripsy, repeat percutaneous surgery is often required and may cause renal damage. Moreover, repeat percutaneous access may become more difficult as perinephric fibrosis develops. Small-caliber ureteroscopes along with the holmium laser now enable routine intrarenal ureteroscopic access to symptomatic renal stones. Herein, we present our experience in managing recurrent renal cystine calculi using flexible ureterorenoscopy and assess whether such an approach may be used as an alternative to percutaneous surgery in selected patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Three patients with large-volume (mean diameter 22 mm) renal cystine stones were managed with a 7.5F flexible ureterorenoscope combined with holmium laser lithotripsy to fragment the stones completely. RESULTS: The mean treatment time was 97 minutes, with successful fragmentation in all cases. Two of the three patients were completely stone free on follow-up intravenous urography, with the third patient having only small-volume residual fragments in a lower pole calix. All patients are currently asymptomatic and are being maintained on high oral fluid intake, urinary alkalization with potassium citrate, and alpha-mercaptopropionylglycine to reduce urinary cystine excretion. CONCLUSION: Flexible ureterorenoscopy with holmium laser lithotripsy provides a reasonable alternative for the management for recurrent cystine calculi in patients who are not candidates for repeat percutaneous procedures. Although it is time consuming, complete stone fragmentation, along with clearance of fragments, can be achieved in the majority of patients.     

Minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy for staghorn calculi: a novel single session approach via multiple 14-18Fr tracts

OBJECTIVE: To report our experience with minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL) (14-18Fr percutaneous tract) to treat staghorn calculi via multiple percutaneous tracts in a single session procedure, and evaluate the feasibility and efficiency of this technique. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From March 2001 to November 2005, 100 patients with staghorn calculi were treated by MPCNL via multiple percutaneous tracts. The size and location of the stone, operative parameters, number of tracts, stone-free rate, operating time, hospital stay, and complications were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: A total of 209 percutaneous tracts were established in 100 renal units during 128 operations including 28 second-look procedures. The mean operating time was 107 minutes (range 43 to 130 min) and the mean hospital stay was 9.4 days (range 6 to 13 d). The initial stone clearance rate of 72% after the first session was improved to 93% after a second-look procedure in 28 patients. The mean blood loss was 112 mL (range 64 to 483 mL), 3 patients required blood transfusion and 1 patient with branched renal arterial injury during puncture received a highly elective embolism. Seven patients had a postoperative fever of 38.5 degrees C or greater, whereas 4 patients had mild hydropneumothorax. CONCLUSIONS: With the development of instrument and increased experience, judiciously made multiple percutaneous tracts in a single session MPCNL for treating staghorn calculi in selected cases is safe, feasible, and efficient with an acceptable morbidity.     

I期多通道微创经皮肾镜碎石取石术治疗树枝型肾结石

目的 探讨I期多通道经皮肾镜碎石取石术在治疗树枝型肾结石中有效性和安全性。方法 回顾性分析43例树枝型肾结石患者的临床资料。结果 43例患者共行微创经皮肾镜碎石术（MPCNL）115次,其中,2通道微创经皮肾镜碎石术23例,3通道微创经皮肾镜碎石术12例,4通道及以上微创经皮肾镜碎石术8例,I期净石率88.4%（38/43）,平均手术时间（126±45.7）min, 术中术后主要并发症为出血,术中术后接受输血患者4例,其中1例选择性肾动脉栓塞术,未出现感染性休克病例。结论 I期多通道经皮肾镜碎石取石术是治疗树枝型肾结石的一种有效方法,安全、疗效确切等。     

经皮肾镜碎石取石术治疗孤立肾结石的临床分析

目的 探讨经皮肾镜碎石取石术治疗孤立肾结石的临床疗效及分析手术并发症的危险因素.方法 回顾性分析本院2009年11月至2016年1月行经皮肾镜碎石取石术治疗的孤立肾结石患者,记录患者的一般资料、术中及术后情况,记录术前术后血红蛋白、血肌酐并进行比较;Logistic回归分析评估出血及手术并发症的相关危险因素.结果 本组32例,男性9例,女性23例,平均年龄47.75(29 ～ 67)岁,平均BMI 23.7(18.2 ～ 28.4) kg/m2,鹿角形结石1例,多发结石11例,平均结石含量501.25(300 ～ 800) mm2,Guys结石分级:1级11例(34.4％)、2级9例(28.1％)、3级11例(34.4％)、4级1例(3.1％).4例患者建立两个经皮肾通道;平均手术时间73.75(40 ～ 120) min,平均术中估计出血量85 (40～300)mL,26例患者结石完全清除,总的结石清除率81.25％.3例患者发生手术并发症.手术前后血红蛋白、血肌酐均未发生明显变化.Logistic回归分析提示多个经皮肾通道的建立增加出血风险,手术时间延长增加手术并发症的发生.结论 经皮肾镜碎石术治疗孤立肾结石排石率高、手术并发症少.多个经皮肾通道的建立增加手术出血风险.     

复杂肾结石经皮肾镜取石术后结石残留的原因与处理

目的:探讨复杂肾结石PCNL术后结石残留的原因及处理方法.方法:回顾分析我院行二期PCNL取石的35例复杂肾结石患者的临床资料,既往有开放手术史17例,2例因术中出血影响视野改二期手术,合并肾盏憩室内结石2例.结果:除2例需辅助ESWL治疗外,其余33例在B超和输尿管镜辅助下,行二期PCNL全部成功取净残留结石.其中3例因残留结石所在肾盏位置远离经皮肾通道或在与皮肾通道平行的肾盏内,重新建立另一通道取石;1例行3通道取石.结论:术中出血、肾盏憩室内结石、既往开放手术史和肾内集合系统解剖异常,是PCNL术后结石残留的主要原因;术中B超及软镜的应用,可以清楚显示有无残留结石及其所在肾盏的位置;了解结石与经皮肾通道的位置关系,帮助引导最大限度地清除结石.     

Critical analysis of supracostal access for percutaneous renal surgery

PURPOSE: Percutaneous renal surgery is currently performed for complex renal calculi as well as for various other endourological indications. In many patients an upper pole nephrostomy tract allows direct access to most of the intrarenal collecting system. Upper pole percutaneous access may be obtained via the supracostal or subcostal approach. The preferred route depends on the location and size of the specific stone or lesion. Previously others have cautioned against the supracostal approach above the 12th rib and many have discouraged an approach above the 11th rib due to concern about the increased risk of intrathoracic complications. We retrospectively assessed the morbidity associated with supracostal percutaneous renal surgery and compared and analyzed the morbidity of the supracostal and subcostal approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of all patients who underwent upper pole percutaneous renal surgery between November 1993 and July 1999 were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 240 patients underwent percutaneous renal procedures, including 225 for managing symptomatic renal or ureteral stones, that is nonstaghorn calculi in 157, staghorn calculi in 41, proximal ureteral calculi in 12, calculi within a caliceal diverticulum in 6, calculi associated with primary ureteropelvic junction obstruction in 5 and calculi associated with a retained ureteral stent in 4. An additional 15 procedures were done for ureteropelvic junction obstruction (7), intrarenal collecting system tumors (5), a caliceal diverticulum without stones (1), a retained ureteral stent (1) and a ureteral stricture (1). RESULTS: A total of 300 nephrostomy tracts were placed to obtain access to the intrarenal collecting system via the supracostal approach in 98 (32.7%) cases and the subcostal approach in 202 (67.3%). Of the supracostal approaches 72 (73.5%) tracts were above the 12th and 26 (26.5%) were above the 11th rib. The overall complication rate irrespective of percutaneous approach was 8.3% (16.3% for supracostal and 4.5% for subcostal access). Complications included blood transfusion in 7 patients, intraoperative hemothorax/hydrothorax in 5, sepsis/bacteremia in 3, atrial fibrillation in 2, delayed nephropleural fistula in 2, renal artery pseudoaneurysm in 2, deep venous thrombosis/pulmonary embolus in 2, pneumothorax in 1 and subcapsular hematoma in 1. Seven of 8 intrathoracic complications (87.5%) developed in supracostal cases. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous renal surgery remains an important option for managing complex renal calculi and other upper urinary tract lesions. In our experience it is generally associated with low morbidity. The supracostal approach is often preferred for obtaining intrarenal access to complex renal and proximal ureteral pathology. Because supracostal access tracts are associated with significantly higher intrathoracic and overall complication rates compared to subcostal access tracts, this approach must be used with caution when no other alternatives are available.     

超声引导下经皮肾镜碎石术治疗复杂性肾结石

目的探讨超声引导下经皮肾镜碎石术（PCNL）治疗复杂性肾结石的临床应用。方法在超声引导下对89例上尿路结石患者行经皮肾穿刺建立碎石通道,经通道于输尿管镜下行气压弹道碎石取石术。结果所有患者均穿刺成功,经单通道或双通道行Ⅰ期或Ⅱ期PCNL,结石总清除率94.19%,手术平均时间80 min,未出现严重并发症。结论超声引导下,选择合适穿刺点和穿刺路径建立经皮肾镜碎石通道,有助于提高PCNL治疗上尿路结石的手术时效,拓宽其适应证范围。     

Treatment for residual stones using flexible ureteroscopy and holmium laser lithotripsy after the management of complex calculi with single-tract percutaneous nephrolithotomy

This study validated the effectiveness and safety of the treatment for residual stones using flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) and holmium laser (0.6–1.2 J, 20–30 Hz) lithotripsy via a fiber with a 200-μm core diameter and 0.22 numerical aperture (NA) after the management of complex calculi with single-tract percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Between January 2014 and June 2016, 27 consecutive patients with complex calculi underwent fURS and holmium laser lithotripsy after a planned single-tract PCNL. Among the 27 patients with complex calculi, 9 had full staghorn calculi, 7 had partial staghorn calculi, and 11 had multiple calculi. After the first single-tract PCNL session, the mean stone size and mean stone surface area were 18.0?±?10.7 mm and 181.9?±?172.2 mm², respectively. Treatment for residual stones with fURS and holmium laser lithotripsy was successfully completed and was performed without intraoperative complications. The mean operative time of the fURS procedure was 69.1?±?23.6 min, and the mean hospital stay was 5.3?±?2.4 days. The mean decrease in the hemoglobin level was 7.3?±?6.5 g/l. After the fURS procedure, the overall stone-free rate was 88.9%. The overall postoperative complication rate was 14.8% (Clavien grade I 11.1%; Clavien grade II 3.7%). The current approach tested here combines the advantages of both PCNL and fURS and effectively manages complex calculi with a high stone-free rate (SFR) (88.9%). This approach also reduced the number of treatment sessions, the number of percutaneous access tracts, and the blood loss and potential morbidity associated with multiple tracts.     

结合内镜检查的肾内手术治疗复杂性肾结石32例报告

目的：探讨结合内镜检查的肾内手术（endoscopiccombinedintra—renalsurgery,ECIRS）在治疗复杂性肾结石中的安全性及有效性。方法：自2009年9月～2012年4月期间,32例复杂性肾结石患者接受了ECIRS。在改良的斜侧卧位下,所有患者均接受顺行经皮肾镜和逆行输尿管软镜的联合治疗。术前均行静脉肾盂造影及腹部CT平扫判断结石的位置和负荷。术后行CT平扫检查评估结石排净率,残留结石〈2mm视为碎石成功。结果：患者平均结石最大直径4．8cm。多发肾结石分布于分支型肾盂肾盏内者7例;多发性。肾结石累及多个平行后组肾盏者25例。最初3例患者为经皮肾镜取石术后,存在成熟的经皮肾通道。其余29例患者均同期建立顺行及逆行通道：25例患者成功I期碎石;4例患者因肾盂黏膜轻度渗血导致视野不清改行Ⅱ期手术。平均手术时间为75（56～170）min。术中、术后均无严重并发症发生。患者碎石成功率为100％,结石完全清除率为93．8％（30／32）,2例患者残留结石〈2mm。结论：ECIRS提高了单通道经皮肾镜手术结石清除率,并降低了因增加经皮肾通道带来的潜在风险。     

Is ureteroscopy first line treatment for pediatric stone disease?

PURPOSE: We report our current outcomes for ureteroscopic management of pediatric stone disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We carried out a retrospective review of all ureteroscopic procedures for kidney or ureteral calculi performed between 2001 and 2005. Stone location and size, preoperative and postoperative stenting, intraoperative dilation, use of ureteral access sheath, stone-free rates and complications were noted. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients (58% female, mean age 13.2 years) underwent 115 procedures. Stones were located in the renal pelvis in 6% of patients, upper pole in 10%, mid ureter in 11%, lower pole in 17%, proximal ureter in 19% and distal ureter in 37%. Mean stone size was 8.3 mm (median 7.0), with a mean of 1.5 stones per patient. Preoperative stenting was used in 54% of patients, and a stent was placed postoperatively in 76%. Ureteral coaxial dilators and ureteral access sheaths were used in 70% and 24% of patients, respectively. There were no major intraoperative complications, although 5 patients required stent placement for ureteral perforation or extravasation. One patient had a ureteral stricture requiring ureteral reimplantation. Mean followup was 10.1 months (median 2.6). Stone-free rate was 91% on followup ultrasound, abdominal radiography or computerized tomography. Seven patients required staged ureteroscopic procedures to achieve stone-free status. While the number of percutaneous nephrolithotomy and shock wave lithotripsy cases remained stable, the number of ureteroscopic cases increased 7-fold during this period. CONCLUSIONS: Improved ureteroscopic access to stones throughout the pediatric urinary tract and stone-free rates that are comparable to the adult population have led to the adoption of ureteroscopy as first line therapy in children at our institution.     

经皮肾镜气压弹道联合超声碎石术治疗复杂性肾结石150例报告

目的探讨经皮肾镜气压弹道联合超声碎石取石术治疗复杂性肾结石的疗效。方法全麻下经膀胱镜先向患侧逆行插入输尿管导管,俯卧位,在B超或X线引导下,向目标肾盏穿刺,建立皮肾通道,肾镜下用气压弹道联合超声腔内碎石机碎石取石。结果单通道取石137例,双通道取石11例,三通道取石2例;一次取石119例,二次取石27例,三次取石4例。手术时间（88±34）min。1例术后当晚发生感染性休克,经抗休克治疗后缓解;2例术后2周继发出血,保守治疗后缓解。术后3个月结石取净率为84.7%（127/150）;23例残余结石中,术后10例行ESWL治疗,其中7例结石排净,余13例口服排石药,术后6个月随访结石排净率为89.3%（134/150）。结论经皮肾镜气压弹道联合超声碎石取石术治疗复杂性肾结石效率高,安全有效,损伤小,可以解决开放手术难以处理的复杂性肾结石。     

肾上盏入路经皮肾镜取石术的疗效与安全性探讨

目的 评价经肾上盏入路行PCNL的疗效及安全性.方法 2007年10月至2009年10月行经肾上盏入路PCNL治疗肾结石患者42例.其中鹿角形结石10例,肾盂结石22例,肾上盏结石7例,下盏多发结石3例;合并输尿管上段结石4例,合并肾盂输尿管连接部狭窄(UPJO)2例;结石长径2.0～6.5 cm,平均3.4 cm.B超引导下选取肾上盏穿刺,穿刺点选在第10或11肋间,建立经皮肾通道(16～26 F).经皮肾镜或输尿管镜下气压弹道或钬激光碎石. 结果 42例均一期成功建立经皮肾通道并碎石.单通道取石36例(85.7%),双通道取石6例(14.3%).手术时间30～140 min,平均65 min.术后发热4例(9.5%),输血1例(2.4%),肾盂穿孔1例(2.4%).无气胸、血胸、腹腔脏器损伤.一期结石清除率88.1%(37/42),3例(7.1%)行二次肾镜取石,2例(4.8%)辅助体外冲击波碎石(ESWL)治疗. 结论经肾上盏入路PCNL活动范围大,对于部分复杂性肾结石碎石取石方便,是一种安全有效的方法.

Abstract：

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)guided by ultrasonography through upper pole access. Methods From October 2007 to October 2009, 42 patients with upper urinary tract calculi underwent PCNL through upper pole access.Among these cases, there were 10 cases of staghorn calculi, 22 cases of renal pelvis calculi, 7 cases of the upper calyx calculi, 3 cases of the lower calyx calculi, 4 cases combined with ureter calculi and 2 cases combined with ureteropelvic junction obstruction. The stone measured from 2.0 to 6.5 cm (average: 3.4 cm) in length. Working tunnels (F16-F26) were established through the 10th or llth intercostals. Pneumatic or holmium laser lithotripsy was used to disintegrate and remove stones by nephroscopy or ureteroscopy. Clinical data including operation time, complications and stone free rate were analyzed retrospectively. Results All the operations were completed in one session, single tract was used in 36 cases(85.7%), double tracts were used in the other 6 cases(14.3%). The stonefree rate after one session was 88.1% (37/42), 3 cases(7.1%) received a second-session PCNL, 2 cases (4.8%)underwent ESWL after operation. The mean operative time was 65 min(30- 140 min).Postoperative surgery-related infection rate was 9. 5% (4/42). One patient (2. 4%)required blood transfusion. Perforation of the pelvis occurred in 1 patient(2.4 %). No pleural or important organ injury occurred. Conclusion The upper pole access for PCNL can be convenient to remove stones,this method is a highly efficient and safe technique.     

微创经皮肾镜联合输尿管软镜碎石术治疗孤立肾鹿角形结石的临床研究

目的:探讨微创经皮肾镜取石术(MPCNL)联合输尿管软镜碎石术(FURSL)治疗孤立肾鹿角形结石的临床疗效,并对该方法的安全性、高效性及可行性进行评估。方法:研究纳入孤立肾鹿角形结石患者20例,对结石的位置和表面积进行统计。患者在知情同意后,先对其进行第一阶段的MPCNL治疗。术后5~7天,将第二阶段的MPCNL和FURSL相结合进行治疗。并对术中情况、结石清除率(SFR)和术后并发症进行评估,测量并记录患者术前、术后1个月以及每次复查时的血肌酐(Scr)、肾小球滤过率(GFR)和慢性肾脏疾病分级(CKD)。结果:所有患者均存在多个肾盏的鹿角形结石,结石平均大小为(1 099.9±843.95)mm2。所有患者均只有一处经皮入路,平均手术时间为(154.37±32.45)min,平均失血量为64(12~140)ml,最终SFR为90%。随访1个月,4例患者的CKD情况有所改善,2例CKD为5级的患者术后仍然需要透析,其余患者术前平均Scr为(187.16±94.12)μmol/L,术后1个月为(140.99±57.92)μmol/L,差异具有统计学意义(P=0.019)。GFR术前为(43.80±24.74)ml/min,术后随访1个月末为(49.55±21.18)ml/min,差异具有统计学意义(P≤0.05)。结论:MPCNL和FURSL联合治疗孤立肾鹿角形结石,可以有效地减少经皮入口的大小和数量,使得孤立肾结石患者的治疗更安全、可行且高效,进而得到满意的SFR,减少失血量及多入口相关的潜在并发症。在短期及长期愈后方面,该方法均不会对肾功能产生不利影响。     

Management of the staghorn calculus: multiple-tract versus single-tract percutaneous nephrolithotomy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Complete removal of stones is crucial for preventing recurrence and morbidity. Currently percutaneous nephrolithotomy is the preferred treatment modality. The debate continues over the use of single tract versus multiple tract percutaneous nephrolithotomy. We review papers on the topic published over the past 12-24 months. RECENT FINDINGS: Articles related to single and multiple tracts were reviewed. We discuss the morbidities, advantages and disadvantages of both the approaches. To decrease the number of tracts few authors have shown the efficacy of flexible ureteroscopy and nephroscopy as an adjuvant procedure. The authors state that this option effectively decreases the disadvantages of multiple tracts, namely blood loss complications, without compromising on stone free rates. SUMMARY: Several techniques have been described for percutaneous access and stone removal, all of them associated with inherent problems. Although feasible, access to all the calices will be difficult through one percutaneous tract because of the peculiarities of the renal collecting system, in which case, multiple-access percutaneous nephrolithotomy is the mainstay of the treatment. The crucial point to understand is that all cases should be dealt with on an individual basis.     

输尿管镜碎石取石术治疗23例经皮肾术后肾中上盏残余结石

目的 探讨输尿管镜钬激光联合气压弹道碎石取石术治疗经皮肾术后肾中上盏残余结石的疗效.方法 用钬激光治疗仪结合Fr8.0/9.8输尿管硬镜下联合气压弹道碎石取石术治疗经皮肾术后肾中上盏残余结石23例,观察其疗效.结果 23例患者共有结石103枚,结石大小8 ～ 36mm,结石寻及率100.0％,一次结石粉碎成功率98.1％,无严重并发症发生.结论 输尿管镜碎石取石术治疗经皮肾术后肾中上盏残余结石是一种可行的疗效优良、安全、经济的微创方法.     

Use of a prototype 3F electrohydraulic electrode with ureteroscopy for treatment of ureteral calculous disease

A 3F electrohydraulic electrode was used with flexible ureteroscopy to treat upper urinary tract calculi in 18 patients. Of 21 procedures performed 10 involved retrograde passage of the ureteroscope and 11 consisted of antegrade procedures with percutaneous nephrostomy access. Complete fragmentation was achieved in 19 of the 21 procedures. In 1 patient bilateral renal caliceal diverticular calculi were treated with the electrohydraulic electrode used to open initially the diverticular orifice. Minor complications included retained stone fragments and small ureteral perforations. No serious complications resulted from the lithotripsy and no patient required an open operation. Flexible ureteroscopy, retrograde or antegrade, appears to offer access to upper tract stones not treated reliably with rigid ureteroscopy. Electrohydraulic lithotripsy with this small 3F probe appears to be a safe and effective means to treat upper urinary tract stones.     

Endoscopic management of symptomatic caliceal diverticula: a retrospective comparison of percutaneous nephrolithotripsy and ureteroscopy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: A myriad of minimally invasive options exist for managing symptomatic caliceal diverticula, including shockwave lithotripsy, percutaneous surgery, retrograde ureteroscopy, and laparoscopy. Yet no direct comparisons have been made in the literature of the relative treatment efficacy of ureteroscopy (URS) and percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PNL). A retrospective review of our patients was performed to determine the most appropriate endoscopic management option for patients with symptomatic caliceal diverticula. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between November of 1994 and April 2001, 39 patients presented with symptomatic caliceal diverticula, 37 of which contained calculi. Twenty-two patients (56%) underwent PNL, and 17 patients (44%) were managed by URS. Of the PNL group, 82% required the creation of a neoinfundibulotomy. The stone burden in the PNL group averaged 11.4 x 12.0 mm and that in the URS group 12.7 x 13.0 mm (p > 0.05). Pain, recurrent urinary tract infections, and nausea and vomiting were the presenting complaints in both subgroups of patients, with pain being by far the most common symptom. The average hospital stay was 2.8 days for the PNL group. All the URS procedures were performed on a same-day-surgery basis. Results, including stone-free, symptom-free, and complication rates, were compared for the two groups. RESULTS: Thirty-five percent of the URS group were symptom free at 6 weeks' follow-up, with an additional 29% reporting an improvement in pain, whereas 86% of the PNL group was completely symptom free at 6 weeks' follow-up. Only 19% of the URS group were stone free on follow-up intravenous urography v 78% of those undergoing PNL (three patients failed to return for follow-up imaging). It was not possible to identify the ostium of the stenotic infundibulum in 4 patients (24%) undergoing URS, and 7 patients (41%) eventually went on to PNL with ultimate success. The PNL was statistically better than URS in producing stone-free results for diverticula located in the upper pole and for stones <11 mm (p < 0.05). No complications occurred in the URS group; however, complications were identified in four patients after PNL. One patient developed clot urinary retention necessitating Foley catheterization and manual bladder irrigation; one patient experienced significant bleeding necessitating early cessation of the procedure. Two patients sustained intrathoracic complications, one a pneumothorax and the other a pneumohemothorax after supra-11(th) rib access. Both were managed successfully with tube thoracostomy. CONCLUSIONS: Our review clearly suggests an advantage of percutaneous management over ureteroscopy for complex posterior symptomatic caliceal diverticula, although with a slightly increased risk of complications. Therefore, PNL should be considered the primary modality for managing these difficult processes. In cases where the stenotic infundibulum cannot be traversed with a guidewire, creation of a neoinfundibulotomy permitted secure access to the collecting system while providing effective results.     

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy for complex caliceal calculi and staghorn stones in children less than 5 years of age

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Treatment of children with staghorn and complex caliceal calculi is one of the most challenging problems in urology. We present our experience with percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) monotherapy for staghorn and complex caliceal calculi in children less than 5 years of age. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1991 and 2004, 27 boys and 9 girls aged 11 months to 4.5 years underwent PCNL for staghorn (33%) or complex caliceal (67%) calculi. The average bulk of the stones was 140.17 +/- 42.16 mm(2) (range 61-253 mm(2)). Staging of the procedure was preferred in children with renal insufficiency, urinary-tract infection, fragmentation time >60 minutes, or a stone burden requiring more than two tracts. Essential steps of the technique were a dynamic contrast study to select the appropriate-size Amplatz sheath and ultrasound guidance for renal access. RESULTS: The average operative time was 72.11 +/- 28.86 minutes. The stone-free rate was 86%, the mean hemoglobin drop was 2.2 +/- 0.95 g/dL, and the mean hospital stay was 3.5 days. Less than half of the patients (42%) were treated in a single stage, the remainder requiring multiple procedures. Only 39% could be treated with a single tract. There was statistically significant increase in the blood loss in patients requiring multiple tracts (P = 0.008); however, staging the procedure did not increase the blood loss (P = 0.06). CONCLUSION: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is safe and effective in children less than 5 years of age. Staging the procedure, instrument modification, the timed "multi mini-perc" technique, and ultrasound-guided access help in achieving maximum stone clearance with minimal morbidity.     

多通道微创经皮肾镜结合钬激光治疗复杂性肾结石的临床研究

目的探讨多通道微创经皮肾镜结合钬激光治疗复杂性肾结石的临床应用价值。方法自2003年3月至2009年5月对657例复杂性肾结石患者进行随机分组,其中多通道微创经皮肾镜治疗组367例,单通道经皮肾镜治疗组290例,比较两组的手术时间,术中出血量,住院时间,治疗总费用及术后感染等并发症发生率。结果与单通道经皮肾镜碎石组相比,多通道微创经皮肾镜组手术时间无明显差异(130.35min∶132.02min,P0.05),术中出血少(30.022±2.89ml∶50.25±5.9ml,P0.05),术后住院时间短(10.6±1.09d∶15.5±1.23d,t=5.36,P0.05),治疗总费用低(10255.50±36.88元∶15098.35±99.67元,P0.05),术后感染发生率明显小(9%∶29%,P0.05)。结论多通道微创经皮肾镜结合钬激光治疗复杂性肾结石具有出血少,住院费用低,并发症发生率低等优点。