Development of a high-precision bladder hyperthermic intracavitary chemotherapy device for bladder cancer and pharmacokinetic study

Background

Although the indications of minimally invasive treatments for pediatric urolithiasis are similar to those in adults, it is still crucial to make the right treatment decision due to the special considerations of children. This review aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL), percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) in the management of pediatric upper urinary tract stones.

Methods

EMBASE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library were searched from their first available date to March 2018. The studies that meet the inclusive criteria were included. The efficacy and safety of the treatments were assessed by means of meta-analysis of the stone free rate (SFR), complication rate, effectiveness quotient (EQ) and secondary outcome indicators.

Results

A total of 13 comparative studies were identified for data analysis. PCNL presented a significantly higher SFR compared with SWL. Similarly, the single-session SFR of RIRS was significantly higher than SWL. However, no significant difference was found between RIRS and SWL in the overall SFR. There was no significant difference between PCNL and RIRS in the SFR. Furthermore, no significant differences in complication rates were found among the three therapies. Compared with the other two treatments, PCNL had a longer operative time, fluoroscopy time and hospital stay. SWL had a shorter hospital stay, higher retreatment rate and auxiliary rate in comparison with the other two treatments. The present data also showed that PCNL presented a higher EQ than the other two treatments, and RIRS had a lower efficiency than SWL and PCNL. In the subgroup analysis of pediatric patients with stone ≤20 mm, the comparative results were similar to those described above, except for the higher complication rate of PCNL than SWL.

Conclusions

Although SWL as an outpatient procedure provides shorter hospital stay and reduces operative time, it has a lower SFR and higher retreatment rate than the other two treatments. PCNL exhibits a higher SFR and EQ than SWL; nevertheless, it has a longer operative time and fluoroscopy time than the other two procedures. RIRS offers a similar SFR as PCNL but a lower efficiency than PCNL.

     

Critical prospective appraisal of renal morphology and function in children undergoing shockwave lithotripsy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) on renal morphology and function in children undergoing therapy for upper-tract urolithiasis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fourteen patients less than 13 years of age with renal or upper-ureteral calculi who were found suitable for primary SWL or PCNL were evaluated for alteration of renal morphology and function after treatment. Of the 18 renal units treated, SWL and PCNL were performed in 9 units each. The average stone size was 880.2 mm2 (range 110-3800 mm2; median 660 mm2). All children underwent ultrasonic estimation of renal length and parenchymal thickness, 99m technetium dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) and 99m Tc-ethylene dicystine (EDC) scintigraphy, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimation prior to intervention and at 3 and 6 months of follow-up. RESULTS: Extracorporeal lithotripsy achieved complete clearance in 8 renal units (88%), requiring an average of 6333 shockwaves and an average of 2.2 sessions per renal unit. The efficiency quotient was 42. Percutaneous surgery likewise achieved complete stone clearance in 88% of renal units, with three units requiring more than one tract. Mixed calcium oxalate monohydrate and dihydrate accounted for the majority of the stones. The mean preintervention GFR was 78.3 +/- 14.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 (median 82.5 mL/min/1.73 m2; range 54-98.6 mL/min/1.73 m2), whereas the mean GFR at 3 months was 78.95 +/- 14.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 (median 78.95 mL/min/1.73 m2; range 52-98 mL/min/1.73 m2). A marginal improvement of an average of 0.65 mL/min was noted. Split function EDC scans demonstrated improved drainage in five cases after intervention; the rest were unchanged. Preintervention DMSA scans revealed renal cortical scars in three children. None of the renal units had developed fresh scars at follow-up scans. None of the children developed new-onset hypertension, proteinuria, or alteration in renal size. CONCLUSION: In the present study, pediatric SWL and PCNL were not found to cause adverse renal morphologic or functional alteration. Stone clearance resulted in marginally improved function and better drainage.     

Stones in anomalous kidneys: Results of treatment by shock wave lithotripsy in 150 patients

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) in anomalous kidneys. METHODS: From October 1990 to October 2002, 150 patients (93 men and 57 women) with anomalous urinary tracts, including 45 horseshoe kidneys, 57 duplex kidneys, 30 malrotated kidneys, 14 pelvic and four crossed ectopic kidneys were treated with SWL for urolithiasis at the Gazi University Faculty of Medicine. Shock wave lithotripsy was performed with Siemens Lithostar plus (Siemans, Erlanger, Germany) device and all procedures were carried under fluoroscopic control. Results: The mean shock wave number and intensity received by the patients was 3770 (range, 1380-4100) shocks and 18.4 (range, 16.1-19) kV per session, respectively. The minimum success rate was obtained in patients with lower calyceal (50%) followed by middle calyceal (60%) calculi. The stone-free rate decreased and the number of sessions per patient increased with increasing stone diameter (dm). In patients with a stone dm > 30 mm, only 34% could be stone-free, compared to a rate of 92% for calculi dm < 10 mm. The overall stone free rate at the third month was 68%. The best stone-free rates were obtained in patients with ureteral duplication (80.7%). The stone-free rates in horseshoe, malrotated, pelvic and crossed ectopic kidneys were found to be 66.7%, 56.7%, 57.2% and 25%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Shock wave lithotripsy might be an effective and minimally invasive treatment alternative in stone-bearing anomalous kidneys. The type of anomaly, stone burden and localization seem to be the main parameters effecting the treatment success.     

The Dornier Compact Delta lithotripter: the first 150 ureteral calculi

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) is the least invasive treatment for ureteral calculi and is the best accepted by patients and clinicians. This prospective study was performed to evaluate the results of SWL for all ureteral calculi. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between April 1999 and May 2000, there were 150 SWL treatments for ureteral calculi at our center. All patients who completed treatment (24 females, 126 males with an average age of 54 +/- 14 years) were entered in the study and were assessed at 1 and 3 months with a plain film of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder and an ultrasound scan or intravenous urogram if clinically indicated. The outcome has been analyzed according to stone size, location (lower ureter [LU], midureter [MU], and upper ureter [UU], number of treatments per stone, number of shocks per stone, and stone-free rate (SFR). The analgesia requirements during each treatment and complications have also been analyzed. RESULTS: The SFR in the UU was 77% at 1 month and 85% at 3 months. The SFR in the MU was 74% at both 1 and 3 months. The SFR in the LU was 65% at 1 month and 74% at 3 months. Overall, the SFR for all calculi was 72% at 1 month and 79% at 3 months. Ureteroscopic extraction was necessary in 19% of the patients and conservative management for the remaining asymptomatic fragments, which were 2 mm or smaller. All of these asymptomatic fragments were seen to have passed spontaneously on follow-up imaging studies. Ureteral stents were not placed routinely prior to SWL, but there were 32 calculi (21%) for which stents had been placed prior to SWL: 29 (19%) in the UU, 3 (2%) in the MU, and 0 in LU. There was no difference in the SFR or ureteroscopy rate in UU calculi treated with or without stents and no difference in the number of treatments needed to achieve these SFRs. The efficiency quotient for the UU was 55%, 45% for the MU, and 45% for the LU. Oral analgesia was given routinely; however, additional intravenous analgesia was necessary in 24% of treatments. No serious complications were seen. CONCLUSIONS: The Dornier Compact Delta lithotripter provides an effective noninvasive treatment for ureteral calculi that is achieved with minimal anesthesia and a low complication rate. Placement of ureteral stents prior to SWL does not enhance the SFR or obviate intervention if SWL fails. We recommend a low threshold for ureteroscopic treatment if significant progress is not made in fragmenting the stone with SWL.     

Laparoscopy-assisted transperitoneal percutaneous nephrolithotomy for recurrent calculus in isthmic calix of horseshoe kidney

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Management of urolithiasis in a horseshoe kidney (HSK) poses a unique challenge. Although most patients can be managed by a combination of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL), calculi in the isthmic calix remain difficult to treat, as this area is out of reach during rigid PCNL, and, owing to the poor evacuation of the fragments, the results of SWL are suboptimal. CASE REPORT: A 59-year-old man known to have an HSK presented with right-sided lower-abdominal pain and episodes of urinary infection. In the past, he had undergone pyelolithotomy and lithotripsy for lithiasis in the kidney. Imaging studies identified a large recurrent calculus in the anteriorly directed isthmic calix. This was treated successfully by a laparoscopy-assisted transperitoneal PCNL. The laparoscopic view allowed the bowel to be retracted away from the site of the HSK, and PCNL guided by fluoroscopy and laparoscopy was performed. Complete stone clearance was achieved in a single stage. The patient remains free of symptoms and recurrence 3 months later. CONCLUSION: We believe this to be the first report describing this novel approach to lithiasis in an HSK.     

Urolithiasis in the horseshoe kidney: a single-centre experience

OBJECTIVE

To report the operative management and subsequent stone‐free rates of patients with urolithiasis in a horseshoe kidney and treated at one centre.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all patients presenting to our centre with a horseshoe kidney and urolithiasis over a 15‐year period. The stone burden, surgical management, complications and stone clearance rates were recorded.

RESULTS

In all, 55 patients with urolithiasis in horseshoe kidney were treated. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) was used in 60 renal units in 47 patients. Five patients had extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), two had flexible ureteroscopy and one had a laparoscopic pyelolithotomy for a stone extending into the isthmus. PCNL was used for large stones (mean digitized surface area = 614.32 mm²) and required one to four stages to achieve an overall stone clearance rate of 88%. Stones were cleared at one sitting in 77% of PCNL procedures, completely cleared in two‐thirds of patients treated by ESWL, and in both who had flexible ureteroscopy and the one treated with laparoscopic pyelolithotomy. Complications were minimal, with 15% minor and 3% major complications in the PCNL group only.

CONCLUSION

Appropriate management of urolithiasis within the horseshoe kidney depends not only on stone burden, but also on stone location, calyceal configuration and malrotation. Stones can be cleared successfully in almost all patients providing that all techniques are available to the operating surgeon.     

Outcome from percutaneous nephrolithotomy in patients with spinal cord injury, using a single-stage dilator for access

OBJECTIVE: To present our experience of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for treating urolithiasis in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) using a single-stage dilator for percutaneous access. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective database of patients with SCI having PCNL using the single-stage dilator was assessed, analysing patient data, stone-free rates, morbidity and the follow-up outcome. RESULTS: In all, 26 patients had 54 PCNLs on 32 kidneys; 20 had unilateral and six bilateral stone disease; there were many staghorn calculi (24/54). Major complications occurred in three of 54 PCNLs (6%). The complete stone-clearance rate was 87% for PCNL alone, rising to 29 of 32 kidneys (91%) or 24 of 26 patients (92%) with adjuvant procedures. A further three kidneys required no further treatment and were monitored, having residual fragments of < or = 2 mm. CONCLUSIONS: PCNL has a high success rate and acceptable complication rate compared to extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy, and remains a valid first-line treatment option for kidney stones in patients with SCI.     

Combined ureterorenoscopy and shockwave lithotripsy for large renal stone burden: an alternative to percutaneous nephrolithotomy?

PURPOSE: To investigate the feasibility and initial outcomes of a combination of ureterorenoscopy (URS) using holmium laser lithotripsy and extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) in a single outpatient session for the treatment of large renal stone burdens in patients refusing or unsuitable for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fourteen patients with a mean age of 52.7 years (range 34-81 years) having a mean stone burden of 847 mm2 (range 58 mm2-1850 mm2) were treated with combined URS laser lithotripsy and SWL as an alternative to PCNL. The SWL (mean 2800 shockwaves) was performed using the Storz Modulith SL-X, and flexible URS with holmium laser lithotripsy was performed either during or following SWL. RESULTS: Ninety-three percent of the patients (13/14) were treated successfully on an outpatient basis. Two patients were rendered stone free after the initial procedure alone (14%). Overall, including secondary outpatient treatment with a second session of URS alone (N = 7) URS and SWL (N = 1), SWL (N = 1), or oral alkalinization therapy (N = 1), the stone-free rate was 76.9% (10/13). One patient was excluded secondary to death from unrelated causes after the initial procedure, and the success rate (residual fragments <4 mm) was 84.6% (11/13). The two treatment failures included one patient who required a third URS procedure and one patient who developed urosepsis necessitating nephrostomy-tube placement who underwent subsequent PCNL. CONCLUSIONS: In comparison with traditional approaches using PCNL and second-look nephroscopy, single-session combined URS and SWL with a second outpatient procedure may offer equivalent results with decreased morbidity in carefully selected patients.     

Lower-caliceal stone clearance index to predict clearance of stone after SWL

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: There is no uniform consensus regarding the anatomic factors that influence the clearance rate of caliceal stones after SWL, as different authors have studied various independent factors separately. We correlated both favorable and unfavorable factors into a formula to predict the clearance rate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A series of 56 consecutive patients (37 male, 19 female) with isolated lower-caliceal single stones (right 29, left 27) treated with SWL using the Dornier Compact Delta lithotripter were analyzed retrospectively. Of these, 40 patients had soft stones, and 16 patients had hard stones. The first stone-free rate (SFR) according to plain films and ultrasonography was analyzed by stone size, and a stone clearance index (SCI) formula was applied to see if there was any change in the SFR, especially for stones >2 cm. RESULTS: The formula, which correlated well with the clearance, is SCI = [(IVA x IW x stone type)/IH] - (stone size in mm(2)/10). Nearly all (90%) of the patients with an SCI of >0 cleared their stones within 3 months, and 87% of the patients with an SCI <0 cleared their stones after 3 months. Positive and negative predictive values were 93.33% and 76.9%, respectively. The accuracy of the correlation is 85.71%. CONCLUSIONS: The success of SWL for lower-caliceal stones can be predicted easily using the SCI. Stones of >200 mm(2) (>2 cm) surface area may still be suitable for SWL if the SCI is positive, whereas alternative treatment modalities should be considered if the SCI is a low negative value (<-7).     

Endourologic management of pediatric urolithiasis: proposed clinical guidelines

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Pediatric urolithiasis can be managed with various endourologic techniques, which are challenging and demanding. With the availability of advanced minimally invasive techniques, one has to select the appropriate modality. We analyzed the results of various techniques selected prospectively on the basis of our guidelines for the management of pediatric urolithiasis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed the results of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), ureteroscopy (URS), and extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) in 45 children treated at our institute between January 2004 and May 2005. There were 35 boys and 10 girls ranging from 12 months to 17 years age (median age 8.2 +/- 5.72 years), with 25 children (55.6%) under the age of 8 years. Stone-free rate, complications, and hospital stay were assessed. RESULTS: Extracorporeal lithotripsy was performed in 13 children (15 renal units) with average stone surface area of 50.8 +/- 35.8 mm(2). The stone-free rate was 92.3%. The total number of shocks per treatment ranged from 450 to 1400 (mean 856.3 +/- 189.6). A total of 25 PCNLs were done. Stone extraction was completed in a single stage in 20 units (80%), whereas 5 units (20%) required a second stage. Stone-free status was achieved in 23 renal units (95.8%). In the URS group, 9 procedures were planned in 8 children, and rigid ureteroscopy was successful in 6 (66.7%). CONCLUSIONS: With the availability of various alternative approaches, proper treatment planning and judicious use of minimally invasive techniques can cure most patients. On the basis of our experience and results, we recommend an algorithm for the management of pediatric stone disease.     

Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy in anomalous kidneys.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) is accepted as first-line therapy for kidney stones. The aim of this study was to evaluate SWL therapy in patients with congenital urinary system anomalies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 120 patients with congenital urinary system anomalies and kidney stones who underwent SWL treatment were evaluated. Of these patients, 44 (37%) had horseshoe kidneys, 22 (18%) had rotation anomalies, 13 (11%) had pelvic kidneys, and 41 (34%) had ureteral duplications. The mean stone size was 2.09+/-0.71 (range 0.8-4.6) cm2, and a total of 232 sessions (1.93 sessions/patient) were applied. RESULTS: The overall stone-free rate after completion of the SWL treatments was 70% (84 patients). In horse shoe kidneys the stone-free rate was 68%, and sufficient fragmentation was achieved in another 21%. These values were 59% and 32%, respectively, for malrotated kidneys, 54% and 39% for pelvic kidneys, and 83% and 12% for ureteral duplications. The 10 patients in whom SWL treatment remained unsuccessful had horse-shoe kidneys (five cases), malrotated kidneys (two cases), pelvic kidney (one case), and ureteral duplication (two cases). Open surgery was performed in eight patients with renal anomalies, and ureteroendoscopic lithotripsy was performed in two patients with ureteral duplication. CONCLUSION: Shockwave lithotripsy is an effective and reliable treatment method in patients with congenital urinary system anomalies, especially when the stones are <2 cm. Patients with ureteral duplication had the overall best stone-free rates. However, patients who have stones > or =3 cm in horseshoe or malrotated kidneys and duplex systems seem to be better candidates for percutaneous nephrolithotomy or open surgery.     

Results of shockwave lithotripsy for pediatric urolithiasis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) is widely practiced in the management of pediatric urolithiasis. However, the efficacy, need for ancillary procedures, and treatment-related complications are not as clearly defined as in the adult population. We reviewed the outcomes of SWL in the pediatric population at our lithotripsy unit. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients 相似文献   

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the management of pediatric renal calculi

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSES: In the era of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL), there are still some patients who will require percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Our experience with this procedure is reviewed and discussed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty five patients with a mean age of 7.9 years (10 months-14 years) underwent 67 PCNL procedures on 62 renal units between September 1997 and April 2001. Of the patients, 13 had previous open renal surgery, 4 had a solitary kidney, 4 were SWL failures, 2 had osteogenesis imperfecta, one had anuria secondary to bilateral calculi, 2 had poorly functioning kidneys, and 1 had cystinuria (complete staghorn calculus). One disabled patient with neurologic disorders who had multiple stones underwent PCNL in order to decrease the stone burden and to improve the kidney function. Operations were performed under the guidance of monoplane fluoroscopy. Pneumatic or ultrasonic lithotripsy and forceps extraction were used with a rigid nephroscope or ureteroscope (as an alternative instrument in small-caliber tracts). RESULTS: Excluding the patient with neurologic disorders, 53 of the renal units (86.9%) were stone free at the time of discharge, and the success rate was 96.7%, with six patients having insignificant residual fragments after the procedure. In one patient, open surgery was required, and the other patient was sent for SWL treatment. There was no contiguous organ injury, but in 16 procedures (23.9%), intraoperative hemorrhage was seen, and blood transfusions were required. CONCLUSION: Pediatric urolithiasis is usually a result of metabolic abnormalities and urinary tract infection, and there is always a risk of recurrence that may necessitate multiple additional intervention. Therefore, PCNL must be considered in selected cases by urologists who are experienced in adult percutaneous procedures.     

Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in removal of stones in anomalies of kidney and upper urinary tracts

The authors analyze the results of ESWL (URAT-P unit) for urolithiasis performed in 106 patients (49 females and 57 males) aged 16-67 years with anomalous kidneys and upper urinary tracts. 28, 1, 11, 14, 24, 4, 22 and 2 patients had horseshoe, L-shape, solitary, lumbar distopic, double, sponge, cystic kidneys, congenital megacallicosis, respectively. The stones ranged in size from 7 to 30 mm. Bilateral urolithiasis was in 7 patients. The number of impulses averaged 1745 +/- 168.4 per the procedure. The average number of ESWL procedures per stone was 1.4 (1-4). The stones were completely eliminated after one ESWL session in 78(73.6) patients, after two sessions in 23(21.7%) patients, after three sessions in 4, after for in 1 patient. Complications developed in 18 patients: urinary tract obstruction and attack of acute pyelonephritis (15 and 3 patients, respectively). Within 2-10-year follow-up recurrences arose in 12 patients who were retreated. Thus, ESWL is a method of choice in the treatment of urolithiasis patients with malformations of the kidneys and upper urinary tracts. Good results of ESWL are achieved in strict adherence to principles of the patients' selection, preoperative preparation technique, individual approach to patients in postoperative period, follow-up to detect complications and recurrences.     

经皮肾输尿管镜下气压弹道碎石术治疗儿童肾结石

目的探讨经皮肾输尿管镜下气压弹道碎石术治疗儿童肾结石的疗效与安全性。方法肾结石患儿15例,均为14岁以下,其中单侧8例,双侧7例,共22个肾脏。全部病例使用全身麻醉下经皮肾输尿管镜下气压弹道碎石术治疗。术后行X线摄片观察疗效,术后48h查血红蛋白。所有病例均行代谢评估,术后使用枸橼酸钾预防结石复发。术后随访2～3年。结果20个肾脏（91％）的结石完全清除。2个有残石的肾脏经体外冲击波碎石术治疗,结石完全清除。14例患儿术后有轻、中度发热（〈39℃,〈2d）,1例术后高热（〉39℃,〉2d）。患儿术后血红蛋白较术前平均下降10．0g／L。无输血病例。平均住院5．2d。全部病例术后半年行静脉肾盂造影检查,肾功能均平稳或有改善。无远期并发症。结论对儿童肾结石行经皮肾输尿管镜下气压弹道碎石术安全、有效。     

Pediatric shockwave lithotripsy: size matters!

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) is a safe and efficacious modality for pediatric urolithiasis. Recent reports claim good results even with larger stone burdens, irrespective of stone location. We reviewed the outcomes of SWL in the pediatric population at our center to assess the impact of stone burden and location and the age of the child on the stone-free rate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Records of 106 patients 相似文献   

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy in children before school age: experience of a Pakistani centre

OBJECTIVE: To review our experience of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in children before school age, and determine its efficacy and safety in this age group. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The records of children aged < or = 5 years undergoing PCNL were reviewed. Variables assessed included stone number, size, location and type. The PCNL puncture site and number were also recorded. We reviewed stone clearance with PCNL, ancillary procedures used, complication rates and follow-up status of the children. RESULTS: There were 30 renal units in 29 children (median age 3.8 years, range 1.4-5). Because of poor growth the mean (SD) body weight of the children was only 12.2 (2.8) kg, which is near the 50th percentile for children of mean age 3.5 years. The median (range) stone burden was 2.35 (1.3-6) cm; 60% of the patients had single stones while 28% had more than five. There were five staghorn stones. All PCNL was primary and with one puncture, using a 17 F angled nephroscope; stones were fragmented using a pneumatic lithoclast. After PCNL stones were completely cleared in 60% of the renal units, which increased to 100% after combining it with extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy. The median (range) follow-up was 24.9 (4-51) months; the overall complication rate was 6%. In the long follow-up hypertension was not detected in any child and isotopic renograms in 17 kidneys detected no new scarring or loss of renal function. CONCLUSION: PCNL is a safe and effective for treating renal stones in very young children.     

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy in patients with kidney malformations

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for complex calculi within malformed kidneys can be challenging because of the abnormal anatomy. We present our 7-year experience with PCNL in such patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed PCNL on 16 patients with complex calculi and anomalous kidneys, including 7 with horseshoe kidneys, 5 with rotation anomalies, 3 with ectopic kidneys, and 1 with a small kidney. After appropriate preoperative evaluation, the procedure was performed by choosing either anterior or posterior approaches depending on the kidney anomaly. When required, ultrasonography, laparoscopy, or both were used, as well as fluoroscopy to control the procedures. RESULTS: A single-stage PCNL resulted in complete clearance in 13 patients (81%). A second-look procedure, alone or followed by shockwave lithotripsy, conferred stone clearance in one patient with a malrotated kidney and two with staghorn calculi in horseshoe kidneys. More than one tract was needed in two patients. The procedure was guided by laparoscopy in two patients with calculi in ectopic left kidneys. Serious complications were not encountered. CONCLUSION: Patients with malformed kidneys and complex calculi can be managed safely and effectively with PCNL when they are properly selected and appropriately assessed before operation.     

Pelvicaliceal anatomical variation between stone bearing and normal contralateral kidneys--does it have an impact on stone formation in pediatric patients with a solitary lower caliceal stone?

PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate the probable effect of pelvicaliceal anatomical differences between stone bearing and normal contralateral kidneys on the etiology of stone formation in children with a solitary lower pole caliceal stone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the clinical records of 25 pediatric patients who underwent SWL for a solitary lower caliceal stone and 15 healthy pediatric patients who served as controls. Lower pole IPA, IL and IW, together with other caliceal variables obtained from the pelvicaliceal anatomy of the stone bearing and contralateral normal kidneys of patients with urolithiasis, and both kidneys of the control group were measured based on excretory urography. Also, total pelvicaliceal volume for both kidneys was calculated. RESULTS: Mean LIPAs of stone bearing kidneys compared to the normal contralateral kidneys was more acute, equal and wider in 52%, 16% and 32% of the patients, respectively. Mean pelvicaliceal volumes of the stone forming and normal kidneys were 1,553.8 mm(3) (range 242 to 7,107) and 581.0 mm(3) (90 to 2,662), respectively, and there was statistical significance only in pelvicaliceal volumes between the stone bearing and contralateral normal kidneys (p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results reveal that IPA, IL and IW of calices do not have an effect on stone formation in pediatric patients. However, large pelvicaliceal volume seems to be a significant risk factor for stone formation in the lower calix, probably because it creates abnormal urodynamic and morphological features, especially when accompanied by other metabolic abnormalities.     

Safety and efficacy of staged retrograde intrarenal surgery for large stone burden of renal stones in selected patients: A single-center experience

ObjectiveManagement of patients with upper ureteral and renal urolithiasis is challenging for endourologists. Since the advancements in endourological equipment/devices, retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) has become an attractive, widespread technique for upper urinary tract stone manipulation, owing to its advantage of being noninvasive with higher stone clearance rate and less pain compared with traditional shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) and percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PNL). However, the outcome and complication of staged RIRS for large stone burden (> 2.0 cm) management for renal stones still need to be reported. A total of 172 cases of renal calculi were treated by RIRS in a single center; among these, 22 had renal stone size larger than 2.0 cm. In this work, we present our experience and treatment outcomes of these patients.Materials and methodsBetween August 2015 and January 2016, we enrolled 172 patients with upper urinary tract calculi who underwent RIRS with holmium laser lithotripsy performed by one surgeon in a singer center. Based on a medical record review, we collected data pertaining to the outcomes and complications of RIRS.ResultsA total of 172 patients with upper urinary tract stones were included in this study (113 male and 59 female patients). All patients underwent RIRS with holmium laser lithotripsy procedure. The overall stone-free rate (SFR) was 90.6%. The average stone size was 0.8 cm with average operation time of 89.7 minutes. Average hospital stay was 2.7 days. The average pain score was 2.38/10 by the Numerical Rating Scale. In the large stones size subgroups, the SFR of stone burden between 2.0 cm and 3.0 cm was 80.2%, and the SFR of stone burden over 3.0 cm was 45.0% by single RIRS. Ten of 22 patients underwent two-staged RIRS and their SFR improved from 45.0% to 76.5%. No major complications (Clavien III–V) were noted in the study groups.ConclusionTo the best of our knowledge, RIRS for large renal stone manipulation is an effective and safe treatment modality currently. In our study, the single RIRS SFR was superior to PNL or SWL even when the stone burden was between 2.0 cm and 3.0 cm (80.2%). For those patients whose stone burden was over 3.0 cm or for those with comorbidities, staged RIRS resulted in a lower complication rate, reduced hospital stay, and better SFR (76.5%).