Postoperative morbidity of tubeless versus conventional percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a prospective comparative study

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PNL) is an established technique for the treatment of renal calculi. Some reports have challenged the need for a nephrostomy tube at the end of the procedure, arguing that it accounts for a longer hospital stay and increased postoperative pain. During the last years, several series have addressed the feasibility and safety of tubeless PNL, where a double-J ureteral stent is left in place after the end of intervention instead of a nephrostomy tube. The aim of our study was to compare conventional versus tubeless PNL in terms of postoperative morbidity. Eighty-five patients who underwent PNL at a single center met the inclusion criteria (complete intraoperative stone clearance, no evidence of active intraoperative bleeding, single percutaneous access, and operative time shorter than 2 h) and were randomized at the end of the procedure to have placed either a nephrostomy tube (group 1) or a double-J ureteral stent (group 2). Outcomes assessed were postoperative pain, bleeding complications, leakage complications, and length of hospital stay. The patients in the tubeless group had a shorter hospital stay (3.7 vs. 5.8 days; P < 0.001), and less postoperative pain at postoperative days 2 and 3 (P < 0.001). No significant difference in bleeding or leakage complications was observed. This study supports the feasibility and safety of tubeless PNL in a selected group of the patients, suggesting some intraoperative criteria to be considered when performing it. However, further controlled studies will have to determine its impact on stone-free rates prior to be considered the standard technique in these selected cases.     

Totally tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a prospective randomized controlled study

The purpose of this study was to perform a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the role, safety, and effectiveness of totally tubeless PCNL and whether this procedure is less morbid in terms of analgesia requirement, related complications and convalescence. A total of 131 patients, with impacted ureteropelvic junction stone or single renal pelvic stone larger than 20 mm, were prospectively randomized (using random numbers table) into two groups, and underwent conventional (63 patients) or totally tubeless (68 patients) PCNL. Preoperative data included urinalysis, urine culture, complete blood count, biochemistry study, renal ultrasonography, intravenous urography and Tc 99m DTPA clearance for determination of selective glomerular filtration rate. Intraoperative findings, operative time, and outcome were also recorded. All patients were followed regularly at clinic every 3 months during year 1 and every 6 months, thereafter, and Tc 99m DTPA clearance for the determination of selective glomerular filtration rate, renal ultrasonography and intravenous urography was performed to assess the kidney function 6 months later. There was no difference between the groups with regard to serum creatinine change, hemoglobin decrease, morphology improvement, resumption of normal activity and complication grading. The length of stay, pain visual analog scale and analgesic requirements favored the tubeless group with statistical significance. There was significant statistical difference in relative perfusion rate between preoperative and postoperative in both groups. This trial demonstrates that totally tubeless PCNL is safe and well tolerated in selected patients and associated with decreases in length of stay, postoperative pain and analgesia requirement. Most importantly, patients undergoing uncomplicated PCNL are not mandated to have a nephrostomy or ureteral stent placed for specific indications.     

留置输尿管外支架的无管化经皮肾镜取石术的安全性和效果分析

目的：探讨留置输尿管外支架的无管化经皮肾镜取石术（tubeles spercutaneous nephrolithotomy,tubelessPCNL）的安全性和有效性。方法：回顾性分析43例留置输尿管外支架的tubelessPCNL治疗肾或输尿管上段结石的患者资料。男23例,女20例,平均年龄44．9岁。其中肾盂结石22例,输尿管上段结石18例,肾多发性结石3例。结石最大径为（2．4±1．1）cm。合并患肾轻度积液4例,中度积液21例,重度积液18例。在经皮肾镜取石术结束时,通过B超和c臂x线证实结石已经完全清除,然后把逆行插入的输尿管导管的头端调整至肾盂的中央,让扩张鞘退至肾造瘘通道以外,证实瘘道无活动性出血,最后拔除扩张鞘,并用丝线缝合皮肤伤口。结果：43例患者,其中41例结石完全清除,2例为无意义残留结石。手术时间30～75min,平均45min。手术引起血红蛋白平均下降6．5g／L。术后第1天视觉疼痛评分为（3．0±1．4）分。术后平均住院天数为3d。术后出现急迫性尿失禁1例,。肾周血肿1例,发热2例,持续性肉眼血尿2例,轻度尿外渗2例。结论：在严格掌握手术适应证的前提下,留置输尿管外支架的tubeless PCNL是安全和有效的。     

Effectiveness of totally tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy in selected patients: a prospective randomized study

Objectives  Compared with the standard technique, the number of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) operations without a drainage catheter is increasing in recent years. In this prospective randomized study, we compared the morbidity of totally tubeless (tubeless and stentless) PCNL operations with the standard operation technique in a single center with a selected patient population. Methods  Ninety patients who fulfilled the criteria were included. Forty-five patients underwent totally tubeless PCNL (Group 1) and a 14F malecot nephrostomy catheter was used in another set of 45 patients (Group 2). Inclusion criteria for the study were no serious bleeding or perforation in the collecting system during the operation, stone free or clinically insignificant residual fragments (CIRF <4 mm), and no more than one access. Results  When two groups were compared with regard to age, stone volume, postoperative hemoglobin change, transfusion rate, and operation time, no significant differences were found between the two groups. However, a significant difference was found in hospitalization time between the two groups (P < 0.05). The amount of non-steroidal analgesic (tenoxicam) needed and non-steroidal analgesia-resistant pain which was resolved with narcotic analgesics (meperidine) were significantly lower in Group 1 (P < 0.05). Complications were observed in two patients (4.5%) in Group 1 (one retroperitoneal hematoma, one long-lasting renal colic) and in six patients (13.3%) in Group 2 (five prolonged urine drainage, one long-lasting fever) (P < 0.05). Conclusions  Tubeless and stentless PCNL is a safe method and reduces hospitalization time and analgesic requirement, and promotes quality of life in selected patients.     

Re: Totally tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a prospective randomized controlled study

The study is unique in terms of defining the safety of totally tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL). Furthermore, the authors state that the tubeless group has an advantage of less pain. However, we interpreted the results of pain-related comparisons different than that the authors had. In our opinion, the results gained show that there is no difference in terms of pain in both groups. The authors state that they have inserted a double J catheter to patients that were included in the tubeless group in addition to the nephrostomy as a conventional procedure. However, routine Double-J placement in addition to nephrostomy is not a common procedure. Additionally, the large-bore nephrostomy tube preferred is certain to cause pain, as stated in the previous studies. It has been shown that small-bore tubes cause less pain. It may have been more appropriate to compare the groups in such a manner. Even though we have stated our comments with respect to pain issues, it is evident that the study is unique in terms of defining the safety of a totally tubeless procedure.     

Simultaneous bilateral tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy of staghorn stones: a prospective randomized controlled study

A randomized controlled study was performed to evaluate the feasibility and outcome of staged versus simultaneous bilateral tubeless PCNL for bilateral renal staghorn stones. A total of 99 patients, with bilateral renal staghorn stones, were prospectively randomized into two groups, and underwent staged tubeless PCNL (49 patients) or simultaneous bilateral tubeless PCNL (50 patients). Preoperative data included urinalysis, urine culture, complete blood count, biochemistry study, renal ultrasonography, intravenous urography, and Tc 99m DTPA clearance for the determination of selective glomerular filtration rate. Intraoperative findings, operative time, and outcome were also recorded. All patients were followed regularly at clinic every 3 months during year 1 and every 6 months thereafter, and Tc 99m DTPA clearance for determination of selective glomerular filtration rate was performed to assess the kidney function 6 months later. There was no difference between the groups with regard to serum creatinine change, hemoglobin decrease, and complication grading. The length of stay, convalescence period, pain visual analog scale, analgesic requirements, and direct cost favored the simultaneous bilateral tubeless group with statistical significance. There was no significant statistical difference in relative perfusion rate between preoperative and postoperative in both groups. This study demonstrates that simultaneous bilateral tubeless PCNL is a safe, efficacious, and cost-effective option in bilateral renal staghorn calculi, which is associated with low morbidity, short hospital stay, high stone-free rate, and early return-to-normal activity.     

完全无管化与标准经皮肾镜治疗肾结石的Meta分析

目的系统评价完全无管化经皮肾镜碎石取石术(PCNL)与标准PCNL治疗肾结石的有效性和安全性。方法检索PubMed、Embase、Cochrane Library数据库。检索时限为从建库到2018年2月28日关于完全无管化PCNL和标准PCNL治疗肾结石的随机对照试验或回顾性病例对照试验,2名作者独立进行文献筛查和数据提取,运用RevMan 5.3软件进行Meta分析。结果共纳入5篇随机对照研究,2篇病例对照研究,共计781例患者,其中完全无管化PCNL组379例,标准PCNL组402例。Meta分析结果显示:完全无管化PCNL组的手术时间短于标准PCNL组(WMD:-2.72;95%CI:-4.05^-1.39;P<0.001);住院时间短于标准PCNL组(WMD:-1.48;95%CI:-1.84^-1.11;P<0.001);术后镇痛需求低于标准PCNL组(WMD:-6.91;95%CI:-9.00^-4.82;P<0.001);两组在结石清除率、术后血红蛋白丢失量及输血率方面差异均无统计学意义。结论完全无管化PCNL在治疗选择性肾结石患者方面优于标准PCNL,可以明显减少手术时间、住院时间和术后镇痛需求,而且不会增加手术相关的并发症。医师应根据患者的实际情况,个体化选择治疗方案。     

Modification of tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy: anterograde stent with flank tether

A limitation of tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy is the need for postoperative office cystoscopy for removal of the ureteral stent. We have developed a novel technique of intraoperative ureteral stent placement that allows for outpatient removal of the stent through the flank using the stent tether.     

Questioning the wisdom of tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL): a prospective randomized controlled study of early tube removal vs tubeless PCNL

Study Type – Therapy (RCT)
Level of Evidence 1b

OBJECTIVE

To establish the efficacy of early removal of a nephrostomy tube after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), to challenge the wisdom of tubeless PCNL, as we hypothesized that it would result in a shorter hospital stay, comparable benefit and safety, while maintaining the option of check nephroscopy ensuring far superior stone clearance.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 22 patients were prospectively randomized equally into two groups, group 1 (early nephrostomy removal) or group 2 (tubeless) during a 1‐month study period. Inclusion criteria for the study were: a simple stone of <3 cm, no significant bleeding, no perforation, single‐tract access and ‘on‐table’ complete stone clearance. In group 1, a 20 F nephrostomy, 6 F retrograde ureteric catheter and a Foley catheter were used, while in group 2 only a 6 F retrograde ureteric catheter and Foley catheter were placed at the end of the procedure. Computed tomography (CT) with no contrast medium was done on the first morning after surgery before removing all catheters/tubes, and patients discharged subsequently. The variables assessed were stone clearance, hospital stay, analgesic requirement, postoperative complications and auxiliary procedures.

RESULTS

The mean (sd ) stone bulk was similar between the groups, at 2737 (946.9) and 2934.2 (2090.7) µL, respectively. Despite an on‐table complete clearance, clearance assessed by CT was nine of 11 vs eight of 11 in groups 1 and 2, respectively. CT showed a 6 mm stone in one patient in group 1, while the remaining patients had stones of <4 mm. The mean (sd ) analgesic requirement, haemoglobin decrease, urine leak and hospital stay in the two groups were 72.7 (51.8) vs 68.2 (46.2) mg of tramadol (P= 0.25), 1.6 (0.7) vs 1.6 (0.9) g/dL (P= 0.39), 13.9 (6.3) vs 7.1 (14.2) h (P= 0.018) and 72.8 (2.1) vs 70.2 (18.5) h (P= 0.09), respectively. Complications noted were early haematuria in none vs three (P= 0.21), urinoma none vs one, and fever in two vs one, respectively; one patient in group 1 required a check nephroscopy for a residual fragment. Overall clearance including re‐treatment was 10/11 vs eight of 11 (P= 0.009), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Early tube removal after PCNL results in an equivalent analgesic requirement, decrease in haemoglobin and hospital stay as tubeless PCNL. It has a significantly lower incidence of early haematuria, better clearance rates and preserves the option of check nephroscopy. It can be considered as an accepted standard of care, with the preserved advantages of tubeless PCNL.     

Tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy in selected patients: a prospective randomized comparison

Objectives To prospectively compare the outcome of standard and tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) in a selected group of patients with renal stones. Methods Patients with simple, isolated renal pelvis or lower pole caliceal stones and no significant hydronephrosis were randomly enrolled to undergo either standard PNL, in which routine nephrostomy tube was placed at the end of operation, or tubeless PNL. Occurrence of intraoperative complications, total operative time exceeding 2 h, indication for additional access or second-look PNL due to residual stones were exclusion criteria. Results There were 11 isolated lower pole caliceal stones (mean stone burden: 3.1 cm²) and 6 isolated renal pelvis stones (mean stone burden: 2.8 cm²) in the tubeless PNL group (n: 17), and 9 isolated lower pole caliceal stones (mean stone burden: 3.4 cm²) and 9 isolated renal pelvis stones (mean stone burden: 3.1 cm²) in the standard PNL group (n: 18). Mean operation time was 59.6 ± 9.1 (range: 50–90) min in the tubeless group, and 67.3 ± 10.1 (range: 60–115) min in the standard PNL group (P > 0.05). Successful stone removal was achieved in all patients, and no significant complication was observed in any case. The mean postoperative analgesic requirement was significantly less in the tubeless group (P < 0.05). Mean hospital stay was 1.6 ± 0.4 (range: 1–3) days in the tubeless group, and 2.8 ± 0.9 (range: 2–4) days in the former group (P < 0.05). Conclusion Our results indicate that tubeless PNL is safe in the management of selected patients and that mean analgesic requirement as well as hospitalization time is diminished with this modification. Presented at the 23rd World Congress on Endourology and SWL, August 23–26, 2005, Amsterdam, The Netherlands     

无管化经皮肾镜取石术可行性和安全性及疗效的随机对照研究

目的 通过随机对照临床试验,研究无管化PCNL的可行性、安全件和疗效. 方法 2010年5-8月行PCNL患者,术中取石完毕,随机数字法将患者随机分为试验组(无管化PCNL,即只留置双J管,不留置肾造瘘管)与对照组(传统PCNL,留置双J管及肾造瘘管).排除标准:严重出血需输血者;明显结石残留需行二期碎石取石i者;重度肾积水,肾实质厚度＜5 mm者;肾盂穿刺液为脓件者;合并输尿管狭窄或肾盂输尿管连接处狭窄;集合系统严重穿孔者.共50例患者被纳入研究,试验组和对照组各25例,两组患者的年龄、性别、结石大小差异均正统计学意义(P＞0.05).所有手术均由一位医生主刀.评价指标包括术后疼痛、Hb下降量、输血率、发热发生率、肾周血肿发生率、住院时间等. 结果 术后第1天试验组疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS)为2.24,对照组为5.04(P＜0.01);试验组术后平均住院时间3.04 d,对照组6.88 d,两组差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01);两组术后Hb下降量、结石清除率差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).两组输血率(1/25与3/25,P＞0.05)、肾周血肿发生率(6/27与7/27,P＞0.05)、发热发生率(3/25与4/25,P＞0.05)比较差异亦无统计学意义.两组患者术后穿刺通道部位均无漏尿发生. 结论 无管化PCNL安全,能显著减轻患者术后疼痛不适,缩短住院时间,且不增加出血、漏尿等并发症发生率,但需恰当掌握其适应证,对术中大出血、肾积脓、输尿管梗阻、集合系统严重穿孔、结石残留需二期手术者禁用.     

Immediate versus deferred radiological investigation after acute renal colic: a prospective randomized study

OBJECTIVE: The timing of radiological assessment after acute renal colic is controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the value of immediate versus deferred radiological imaging and to compare morbidity rates after an attack of acute renal colic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between September 2001 and December 2002 all 686 patients with acute renal colic attending our university hospital were registered. Of these, 172 patients rendered pain-free after analgesic injection were randomized to either immediate or deferred radiological investigation. All patients received a questionnaire encompassing questions on consumption of analgesics, impact of symptoms on normal daily activity (including working ability), need for additional emergency department visits and hospitalization. Stone treatments were registered. RESULTS: The incidence of renal colic was 0.9/1,000 inhabitants per year. In total, 74% of all patients became pain-free after analgesic injection. Morbidity was low among the randomized patients, and did not differ between the immediate or deferred radiological investigation groups. In both groups, the duration of impairment of normal daily activities and analgesic consumption was a median of 2 days. In the immediate group, 14% needed another emergency visit and 4% were hospitalized. Corresponding figures for the deferred group were 15% and 7%. In the immediate group, 17% had stone treatment, compared with 8% in the deferred group. CONCLUSION: For most patients with acute renal colic, parenteral analgesia resulted in complete symptom resolution. When initial medical treatment was successful, patient morbidity was low. In these patients, immediate radiological imaging did not lead to reduced morbidity compared with radiological imaging after 2-3 weeks.     

微创经皮肾镜治疗肾结石术中留置肾造瘘与无管化的比较

目的探讨无管化微创经皮肾镜碎石取石术(MPCNL)治疗肾结石的临床应用。方法回顾性分析我院2015年5月至2018年1月的肾结石患者资料,无管组58例结石大小(3.1±1.6)(2.2~4.8)cm。建立16 F经皮肾通道,8/9.8 F输尿管镜下碎石,清理结石无残留后,留置安全导丝至输尿管,退鞘无明显活动性出血,拔除撕开鞘,完成无管化微创MPCNL。留管组50例结石大小(3.2±1.5)(2.1~5.0)cm,手术方法与无管组相同,术后留置肾盂造瘘管。结果两组资料术前比较差异无统计学意义。两组结石患者均成功接受PCNL,手术时间无管组(72±21)(40~98)min,留管组(74±21)(46~100)min。术后次日复查血常规,两组患者均无需输血。结石清除率为98.3%(57/58)和98%(49/50),术后住院时间无管组(2.2±0.2)d,留管组(4.3±0.8)d。并发症中无管组21例患者患者术后出现38.5℃以上发热,其中6例(10.3%)退热治疗改善,15例(25.9%)抗生素治疗后改善;1例患者术后因尿外渗引起腹胀。留管组中出现18例患者38.5℃以上发热,其中5例(10%)退热治疗改善,13例(26%)抗生素治疗后改善;其余患者无其他严重并发症发生。结论无管化MPCNL治疗肾结石安全有效,并缩短住院时间。     

Supra-costal tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy is not associated with increased complication rate: a prospective study of safety and efficacy of supra-costal versus sub-costal access

Background

To assess the morbidities of tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) using supra-costal access and re-evaluate traditional concept of increased complications with supra-costal access.

Methods

From January 2010 to December 2014, a single surgeon performed 118 consecutive one-stage fluoroscopic guided PCNL’s for complex renal and upper ureteral stone. Our definition for complex renal stone is defined as partial or complete staghorn stone, multiple renal stones in more than 2 calyxes, obstructive uretero-pelvic stone >?2?cm, and a renal stone in single functional kidney. Inclusion criteria include: staghorn stones, renal calculi >?2?cm in diameter, upper ureteral stone >?1.5?cm in diameter. Exclusion criteria for tubeless PCNL include: significant bleeding or perforation of the collecting system, large residue stone, multiple PCNL tract and obstructive renal anatomy. Morbidity, operation time, analgesia requirement, length of hospital stay, stone- free rate, were analyzed.

Results

Of the 118 consecutive PCNL, eighty-six patients underwent tubeless PCNL (56 supra-costal and 30 sub-costal) and included in our prospective follow-up period. The mean age, operation side, stone locations were similar. The male to female ratio is higher in supra-costal than sub-costal. Large renal stones and staghorn stones makes up for most patients (supra-costal: 75%, sub-costal: 80%). The stone–free rate of supra-costal group was 59% (33/56) and in sub-costal group was 50% (15/30). The operative times, length of stay, post-op analgesic use, hematocrit change was similar in both groups. The overall complication rate is 6% [supra-costal (1/56), sub-costal (4/30)] with the majority being infectious complications.

Conclusions

Supra-costal access above 12th rib during tubeless PCNL is safe and effective procedure and is not associated with higher incidence of post-op complications in experience hands.