Tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy: call of the day

PURPOSE: We challenge the routine placement of nephrostomy tube after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) without taking into consideration the size, burden, and multiplicity of the stones; the degree of obstruction of the pelvicaliceal system, or any anatomic variations of the kidney in shape or position. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2005 to March 2006, 110 patients underwent PCNL, 77% of whom had multiple stones. The mean size of the single stones was 4.3 cm (range 2.8-6.5 cm), and the mean single-stone burden was 7.2 cm2 (range 5.6-14.3 cm2). The mean burden of multiple stones was 11.4 cm2 (range 8-23 cm2). Among the patients, 18 had had previous renal surgery, 12 had renal insufficiency, and 7 had a solitary functioning kidney. One patient each had horseshoe kidney and malrotated kidney. In 106 patients, no nephrostomy drain was placed, only an externalized 5F ureteral catheter for 16 to 20 hours. Two patients had simultaneous bilateral tubeless PCNL. The outcome was evaluated prospectively. The frequency of complications, length of hospital stay, and stone-free status were assessed. RESULTS: A stone-free rate of 80% was achieved using PCNL as monotherapy. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 16 to 20 hours. Three patients required placement of a nephrostomy tube because of significant bleeding and one because of purulent renal discharge. In four patients, a ureteral catheter was replaced by a stent because of significant residual stone burdens. The initial 18 patients underwent ultrasound examination on the first postoperative day, and none demonstrated any extrarenal collection, so routine ultrasound examination was omitted in succeeding patients. One patient required exploration because of a retroperitoneal hematoma. CONCLUSION: Omission of a nephrostomy tube after PCNL while retaining an externalized ureteral catheter for 16 to 20 hours is sufficient and safe irrespective of the stone characteristics. Shape, position, and function of the kidneys are also irrelevant with regard to tubeless PCNL.     

经皮肾取石术后不留置肾造瘘管的适应证和安全性

目的探讨经皮肾取石术（percutaneous nephrolithotomy,PCNL）后不留置肾造瘘管的适应证和安全性。方法根据PCNL术前、术中情况选择合适病例。入选标准：术前B超报告肾盂积水〈4 cm,血清肌酐值正常;单一穿刺通道;术前、术中无尿路感染征象;术中无出血,集合系统无大面积穿孔;无结石残留,或虽有小结石残留但不需要行二次经皮肾手术者;术中顺利置入双J管;手术时间〈2 h。共入选240例输尿管上段及肾结石,按手术次序的奇偶数分为2组（各120例）：A组术后不放置肾盂造瘘管,B组术后放置F14肾盂造瘘管。结果240例均一期手术成功。2组结石清除率分别为98.3%（118/120）和96.7%（116/120）,二者相比无统计学差异（χ^2=0.171,P=0.679）。2组术中、术后均无输血病例;术后18例发热（A组8例,B组10例,χ^2=0.240,P=0.624）,均无感染性休克。术后48 h B超检查2组患者均未见肾周积液。结论对于经过严格选择的患者,经皮肾取石术后不放置肾盂造瘘管安全而有效。     

Almost totally tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy: further evolution of the technique.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There is renewed interest in the concept of foregoing placement of the postoperative nephrostomy tube (PNT) after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) with the intent of reducing postoperative discomfort and hospital stay. We have omitted the PNT and placed an internal ureteral stent or externalized ureteral catheter after PCNL in selected patients. We reviewed our experience in order to assess the efficacy and safety of this practice. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Primary PCNL was performed in 26 renal units in 21 patients (5 bilateral PCNL, 4 of which were simultaneous) by one surgeon at the University of Michigan and the Ann Arbor Veterans Affairs Medical Center. A postoperative nephrostomy tube was placed if the stone burden was >3 cm, more than one access site was used, the renal anatomy was obstructive, significant bleeding or perforation was noted, or a second look was required. RESULTS: No PNT was placed in 10 renal units in 8 patients (no-PNT group). In six no-PNT kidneys, internal ureteral stents were used, and in four, externalized ureteral stents were placed for 1 to 2 days. The mean stone size in the PNT and no-PNT patients was 3.0 and 1.8 cm, respectively. Of the 16 kidneys in the PNT group, 4 were initially eligible for omission of PNT, but a PNT was placed because of bleeding or other access-related problem. All patients were rendered stone free except for three (one PNT and two no-PNT) patients, who each had a fragment < or =4 mm. Omission of PNT placement resulted in decreased mean length of stay (2.3 days in the no-PNT group v 3.6 days in the PNT group). There were four complications, all managed with delayed stenting (one in a no-PNT patient and the remaining three in the PNT group). CONCLUSION: Omission of PNT placement in selected patients may reduce morbidity without compromising efficacy and safety, but further study is needed.     

Tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy in patients with previous ipsilateral open renal surgery: a feasibility study with review of literature

PURPOSE: To present our initial experience of tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in patients with previous ipsilateral open renal surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients with previous ipsilateral open renal surgery underwent tubeless PCNL at our institute. Patients with large renal and/or upper ureteral calculi, irrespective of the number and size of the stones, amount of hydronephrosis, or the renal parameters, were selected for the procedure. Exclusion criteria were patients needing more than two percutaneous tracts, significant bleeding, and a significant residual stone burden that would necessitate a staged PCNL. The perioperative outcome of these patients (study group) was retrospectively compared with an historic cohort of the same number of patients with a history of open surgery for renal calculi who underwent ipsilateral PCNL with routine placement of a nephrostomy tube (control group). RESULTS: The two groups had comparable demographic data. Patients in the study group needed less postoperative analgesia (P = 0.000). They were discharged a mean of 10 hours earlier (P = 0.000). Two patients in both groups required blood transfusion. No urinoma or urinary leak from the nephrostomy site occurred in the study group. The incidence of other postoperative complications was comparable in both groups. Complete stone clearance was achieved in 88% of patients in the study group and 84% patients in the control group. CONCLUSION: The tubeless approach in patients with a history of open renal surgery is associated with decreased analgesia requirement and hospital stay without compromising stone-free rates or increasing the complications.     

Safety and efficacy of tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy in patients on anti-platelet therapy and cirrhotic patients

Without the temponade effect over nephrostomy tube, postoperative hemorrhage is a major concern to the safety of tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in patients with bleeding tendency. In this study, we would like to report our experience of performing tubeless PCNLs in these patients. At the end of PCNL, we cauterized the bleeding points in access tract for hemostasis to facilitate the achievement of tubeless PCNL. We identified and reviewed 16 patients under antiplatelet agent therapy and 6 patients with liver cirrhosis from 598 tubeless PCNLs performed in a single institute. Among the 16 patients undergoing anti-platelet therapy, the average stone size was 2.8 cm. The average operation time was 84.7 min. The stone-free rate was 87.5%. The average postoperative hospital stay was 3.8 days. Two patients (12.5%) experienced urinary tract infections after operation. There was no uncontrolled hemorrhage during and after operation and only one patient needed postoperative blood transfusion. No patient experienced any thromboembolic complication. Of the six patients with liver cirrhosis, the average stone size was 3.3 cm. The average operation time was 77.5 min. The stone-free rate is 83.4%. The average postoperative hospital stay was 4.0 days. No patient received blood transfusion after operation. There was no patient experiencing urinary tract infection after operation. Our results suggest that with careful hemostasis, tubeless PCNL is a safety modality in the treatment of urinary stone disease in patients on chronic anti-platelet therapy and cirrhotic patients.     

Tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy: what about replacing the Double-J stent with a ureteral catheter?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of replacing the Double-J stent with a ureteral catheter in tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From August 1998 to February 2007, 33 patients underwent tubeless PCNL for renal calculi by the same surgeon. A retrograde 7F ureteral catheter was placed at the beginning of the surgery in all patients. A nephrostomy tube was not used in any patient. At the end of the procedure, the working tract was electrocauterized using a 26F resectoscope with a rollerball electrode; no hemostatic sealant was used. The ureteral catheter was the sole means of drainage left in place. The incidence and type of complications, the operative time, the length of hospitalization, the rate of transfusion, and the degree of pain were obtained by chart review. RESULTS: In this group of patients, the mean stone burden was 17.25 mm. The mean operative time was 71.5 min. The mean length of hospitalization was 1.9 day (range 1 to 7 days). The mean hemoglobin decrease was 0.8 g/dL. No blood transfusions were needed. The mean visual analog pain intensity scale was 1.87. Complications developed in five (15%) patients, of whom one needed a Double-J stent placement. The complications were pyelonephritis, urinary extravasation, sustained hematuria, and renal colic. The ureteral catheter was removed by postoperative day 1 in 91% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Replacing the Double-J stent with a ureteral catheter in tubeless PCNL is an effective procedure and can be performed in patients with a moderate stone burden. The electrocauterization of the bleeding points at the end of percutaneous renal surgery with a rollerball resectoscope is safe.     

经皮肾镜联合输尿管镜气压弹道碎石治疗输尿管石街

目的探讨经皮肾镜取石术（percutaneous nephrolithotripsy,PCNL）联合经尿道输尿管镜气压弹道碎石治疗输尿管石街的可行性。方法 2008年3月～2011年10月对27例经B超、KUB、泌尿系CT三维重建等检查确诊的输尿管石街,在输尿管镜下气压弹道加水冲将石街推至肾盂或输尿管上段,再行PCNL。结果 23例1次取石成功,3例2次取石成功,1例因输尿管下端闭锁无法进镜,仅行经皮肾造瘘置管引流术。19例随访3～12个月,平均6个月,8例积水完全消失,7例轻度积水,4例中度积水,无出血、输尿管梗阻、结石复发。结论 PCNL联合输尿管镜气压弹道治疗输尿管石街,疗效确切、安全。     

Totally tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy in selected patients

PURPOSE: Significant early postoperative discomfort after percutaneous procedures is usually secondary to nephrostomy tubes and externalized ureteral catheters. We describe our modification of the traditional percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) approach that we name "totally tubeless PCNL." PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between June 2000 and May 2001, 60 consecutive PCNLs were performed at our centers. At the end of the surgery, we omitted the nephrostomy tube and removed the externalized catheter in selected patients: no solitary kidney, stone size <3 cm, and without any obstructions or arterial bleeding. A total of 30 patients underwent totally tubeless PCNL (group 1). We compared their results with those of a control group of 30 patients who underwent standard PCNL (group 2). The incidence of complications, analgesic requirements, length of hospitalization, and time to return to normal activities were compared in the two groups. RESULTS: In both groups, PCNL was performed successfully without any significant complications. A 90% stone-free rate was achieved in both groups, and in the remaining patients, small residual stones (<4 mm) were detected. No urinoma was demonstrated by postoperative ultrasound scanning in group 1. The average length of hospitalization was 1.5 days for group 1 and 3 days for group 2. The average analgesic requirements were 30 mg of pentazosin in group 1 and 90 mg in group 2. No transfusion was needed. There were three complications: 2 patients (6.6%) had urinary tract infection in group 1 and 1 (3.3%) in group 2. All were managed medically. CONCLUSIONS: Omitting the percutaneous nephrostomy tube and removing ureteral catheter at the end of surgery in selected patients were safe and accompanied by significantly reduced postoperative discomfort, length of hospitalization, and analgesic requirements. Further studies are needed to determine the role of this technique.     

一期输尿管软镜联合经皮肾镜治疗鹿角形结石合并脓肾的疗效和安全性

目的探讨一期输尿管软镜(FURS)联合经皮肾镜取石术(PCNL)治疗鹿角形结石合并脓肾的可行性、有效性和安全性。方法回顾性分析北京大学第三医院2017年5月至2019年12月采用一期FURS联合PCNL治疗的13例鹿角形结石合并脓肾患者的病例资料,男7例,女6例。年龄52.5(33~68)岁。临床表现为间断发热9例,腰部不适6例,肉眼血尿1例,2例无明显临床表现。8例合并糖尿病。CT检查示完全型鹿角形结石6例,部分型7例;结石位于左侧7例,右侧6例;4例伴中/重度肾积水,9例伴轻度肾积水。影像学检查评估结石负荷(1070.9±397.0)(507.4~1809.5)mm^2。13例术前均行尿细菌培养及药敏试验。4例住院时有发热症状者术前留置患侧输尿管支架管≥1周。所有病例术前应用抗菌药物≥1周,待感染症状及感染相关指标恢复正常后接受手术治疗。手术采用全麻,患者取改良Valdivia体位。先经尿道置入FURS到达患侧肾盂,B超及FURS引导下在患侧腋中线和肩胛旁线之间、12肋下建立经皮肾标准通道,单通道PCNL下采用负压吸引装置吸出脓液并处理视野范围内的结石,再联合FURS处理其他肾盏结石。术中PCNL穿刺成功后,均可见肾内浑浊脓性尿液排出,留取肾内尿液送检细菌培养及药敏试验。本组13例均经术中肾盂尿细菌培养结果确诊为脓肾。术后常规留置输尿管支架管和肾造瘘管,继续抗感染治疗。术后第1~3天行影像学检查,评估结石清除率,残留结石≥4 mm为有意义的结石残留。结果本组13例手术均顺利完成,手术时间(94.2±21.8)(65~135)min。一期结石清除率76.9%(10/13)。术后6例出现全身炎症反应综合征,无脓毒血症及≥Clavien-DindoⅢ级并发症发生。术后中位随访12(3~24)个月,4例患侧结石复发,2例患侧轻度肾萎缩,随访期间无患侧上尿路感染复发。结论FURS联合PCNL是治疗鹿角形结石合并脓肾的有效方法,具有良好的疗效和安全性。     

无管化标准通道经皮肾镜取石术治疗上尿路结石67例

目的探讨无管化标准通道经皮肾镜取石术在治疗上尿路结石方面的疗效及安全性。方法回顾性分析2008年1月至2013年7月采用无管化标准通道经皮肾镜取石术治疗67例上尿路结石患者的临床资料。其中单发肾结石24例,多发肾结石13例,不完全性鹿角形结石8例,连接部及输尿管上段结石22例,结石最大直径0．9～3．0cm。我们对于非复杂型上尿路结石,肾皮质厚度≥1cm、无严重尿路感染、无活动性出血、无集合系统穿透性损伤及满意的清石病例,术后仅留置双J管而不放置肾造瘘管。结果所有患者均一期手术成功。平均手术时间36．7±2．3min;术后第l天疼痛评分为2．9±1．5mm,术后平均住院时间（4．1±0．8）d;术前、后平均血红蛋白下降值为（1．0±0．5）μ/L;结石清除率100％。无输血病例及选择性肾动脉栓塞病例;无感染性休克和肾周积液发生。结论在经过严格筛选病例基础上,无管化标准通道经皮肾镜取石术治疗上尿路结石是安全可行的。     

Percutaneous nephrolithotripsy in ectopic kidneys

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), although an accepted treatment modality in anatomically normal kidneys, is still not universally performed for calculi in pelvic ectopic kidneys. Fear of injury to abdominal viscera makes it a technically challenging procedure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We have performed PCNL in nine patients with calculi in pelvic ectopic kidneys. Technical factors which made this procedure safe include ultrasound-guided puncture, use of a mature tract or an Amplatz sheath, routine postoperative double-J stenting, and nephrostogram prior to nephrostomy tube removal. RESULTS: Complete stone clearance was achieved in all cases. Six patients were treated in a single stage, while three patients required two stages. Seven patients needed only one tract, and two needed two tracts. No notable complications were encountered. The average hospital stay was 5.2 days. CONCLUSION: With proper precautions and meticulous technique, PCNL is a safe and effective modality to treat calculi in pelvic ectopic kidney.     

Conservative management of a splenic injury related to percutaneous nephrostolithotomy.

INTRODUCTION: Injury to intraperitoneal organs is unusual during percutaneous renal surgery. We report a splenic injury during upper pole percutaneous renal access for nephrostolithotomy that was managed conservatively. METHODS: A 52-year-old male with left upper pole renal stones associated with a narrow upper pole infundibulum underwent upper pole renal access prior to percutaneous nephrostolithotomy (PCNL). The access was performed in the 10th to 11th intercostal space, and the patient underwent PCNL with stone clearance. Plain film radiography after percutaneous access and PCNL revealed no pneumothorax or hydrothorax. The patient was discharged on postoperative day one with the nephrostomy tube in place. RESULTS: On postoperative day 5, the patient was evaluated for persistent flank pain and bleeding from the nephrostomy tube. Computerized tomography revealed a transsplenic percutaneous renal access. The patient was admitted to the hospital, and the general surgery service was consulted. The patient was placed on strict bedrest. His hematocrit was within normal limits and remained stable. The nephrostomy tube was kept in place for 2 weeks. A pullback nephrostogram revealed no perirenal leak, and no evidence was present of acute bleeding. Follow-up computerized tomography on the same day revealed no evidence of acute bleeding. The patient was discharged without further complications and remains stone free at 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: A transsplenic renal access that was dilated and through which a successful left percutaneous nephrostolithotomy was performed is a highly unusual complication related to upper pole left renal access. We were able to manage this complication with conservative measures.     

术前B超标记预定位CT修正定位后术中B超定位在PCNL术中的应用研究

目的:探讨一种更加安全、精确、有效的经皮肾镜取石术(PCNL)穿刺定位方式治疗上尿路结石的安全性和有效性.方法:回顾性分析2013年8月-2019年12月我院采用B超预定位CT标记修正定位后术中B超定位行精准PCNL治疗上尿路结石的937例患者的临床资料,其中肾结石851例,输尿管结石86例.手术均采用气管插管全身麻醉...     

Tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy in selected patients.

BACKGROUND: Placement of the nephrostomy tube is the last step after completion of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). We were able to demonstrate in selected patients who had undergone PCNL that the use of an externalized ureteral catheter can reduce postoperative discomfort without complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 37 patients underwent tubeless PCNL with an externalized 6F ureteral catheter for 48 hours. Inclusion criteria were use of a single access site where the renal unit was not obstructive, no significant perforation and bleeding, and no need for a second look. The stone burden was not taken into account. RESULTS: The procedure was performed successfully without major complications. The average length of hospitalization was 3.63 days: 25 patients stayed for 4 days, with the final day reserved for observation after removal of the catheter. The remaining 12 patients stayed only 3 days and could be discharged on the day the catheter was removed. The average intramuscular analgesic requirement was 38.57 mg of meperidine, and none of the patients needed a blood transfusion or required the emergency placement of a nephrostomy tube. CONCLUSION: In properly selected patients, tubeless PCNL with only an externalized ureteral catheter was found to be safe and just as economical as tubeless PCNL with the same outcome.     

Totally tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy

PURPOSE: We evaluated the requirement for routine placement of a ureteral stent and a nephrostomy tube following percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 43 patients underwent totally tubeless PCNL and was compared with a control group of 43 age-, sex-, weight-, and procedure-matched patients who had previously undergone PCNL with placement of a ureteral stent and a nephrostomy tube. Exclusion criteria for the tubeless approach were more than two percutaneous accesses, significant perforation of the collecting system, a large residual stone burden, significant postoperative bleeding, ureteral obstruction, and renal anomaly. The incidence of complications, length of hospitalization, analgesia requirements, and interval to return to normal activities were compared in the two groups. RESULTS: All 43 percutaneous procedures were performed without significant complications. None of the patients demonstrated urinoma in postoperative renal ultrasound scans. The average length of hospital stay was 1.6 days, with two-thirds of the patients staying <1 day for the study group, and 5.2 days for the controls (P < 0.001). The average analgesia requirement was 9.8 mg and 28.4 mg of morphine, respectively (P < 0.001). Patients returned to normal activities with 12.7 days v 24.6 days for the controls (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Totally tubeless PCNL is a safe and effective procedure. The hospitalization and analgesia requirements are less and the return to normal activities faster with this technique.     

Nephrostomy tube after percutaneous nephrolithotomy: large-bore or pigtail catheter?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: A nephrostomy tube is an integral part of any percutaneous renal surgery. Commonly, a nephrostomy tube that is 2F to 3F smaller than the percutaneous tract is used after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). In our experience, quite a few patients have pain at the nephrostomy tube site, and many patients complain of a prolonged urinary leak after tube removal when a large nephrostomy tube is used. This prospective study was planned to document whether these symptoms could be attributed to the size of the nephrostomy tube and whether a small pigtail catheter could reduce these problems without increasing complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty well-matched patients in whom a one-stage PCNL was done for calculus disease were studied prospectively. Alternate patients had a 28F nephrostomy tube or a 9F pigtail catheter placed at the end of the procedure. Patients were observed for the duration of hematuria, number of analgesic injections needed, and the duration of urinary leak after tube removal. RESULTS: The groups were comparable in the amount and duration of hematuria after PCNL. There was a statistically significant difference in the analgesic need and the duration of urinary leak after tube removal, both of which were less in patients having a pigtail catheter. CONCLUSIONS: A pigtail catheter nephrostomy tube after PCNL reduces the hospital stay by reducing the duration of the urinary leak. The postoperative course is smooth, as patient has less pain and needs less analgesic support. There is no statistically significant increase in the postoperative bleeding secondary to use of a pigtail catheter. Second-look nephroscopy was easy in the one patient with a pigtail nephrostomy catheter who needed the procedure.     

Fibrin sealant enables tubeless percutaneous stone surgery

Purpose:

Fibrin sealant has been demonstrated to be safe and effective as a hemostatic agent and urinary tract sealant. We assessed the ability of fibrin sealant to facilitate tubeless management after uncomplicated percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).

Materials and Methods:

Eight consecutive patients underwent single access tubeless PCNL for renal calculi in a total of 9 renal units in a 2-month period. An additional patient with distal ureteral obstruction underwent antegrade ureteroscopy for an 8 × 8 mm distal ureteral stone. Average patient age was 47 years and mean stone size was 3.37 cm² (range 0.64 to 9.90). Following complete stone clearance a Double-J (Medical Engineering Corp., New York, New York) ureteral stent was placed antegrade and 2 cc HEMASEEL APR (Haemacure Corp., Sarasota, Florida) fibrin sealant was injected under nephroscopic or fluoroscopic visualization into the parenchymal defect just within the renal capsule. Preoperative and postoperative hematocrit (HCT) was determined. Computerized tomography was performed on postoperative day 1 or 2 to evaluate retained stone fragments, perinephric fluid and urinary extravasation.

Results:

In the 10 renal units treated via this tubeless technique no intraoperative or postoperative complications were noted. Average hospital stay was 1.1 days. All patients were discharged home on postoperative day 1 except 1 undergoing asynchronous bilateral PCNL on consecutive days. The mean intraoperative change in HCT was 2.8%. There was no significant change in HCT on postoperative day 1. No patient required transfusion. Seven renal units and 1 ureteral unit had no residual stone fragments for a complete stone-free rate of 80%. No gross leakage was observed on dressings and postoperative computerized tomography failed to demonstrate urinary extravasation.

Conclusions:

Tubeless PCNL using fibrin sealant at the renal parenchymal defect appears to be safe and feasible. Further experience is necessary to determine the role of fibrin sealant in percutaneous renal surgery.     

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.     

经皮肾输尿管镜治疗上尿路结石

应用经皮肾微造瘘输尿管镜二期取石方法，采用腔内弹导碎石器碎石，共７７次治疗３７例４２侧肾铸型或多发结石和输尿管上段结石。结石１次取净１２例，２次取净１８例，３次例，取净率达８０％以上。认为采用小穿刺通道，输尿管镜及腔内弹导碎石，是一种安全、有效的治疗方法。该方法可代替经皮肾镜取石，其优点在于穿刺通道细小、创伤小、痛苦轻、术中出血及合并症少，输尿管镜可到达大部分肾盏及输尿管上段，结石清除校彻底，尤其     

Percutaneous removal of renal and ureteral stones with and without concomitant transurethral manipulation by a urologist using antegrade and retrograde techniques without a radiologist's assistance

Single-stage percutaneous removal of 59 ureteral and 72 renal stones, with or without transurethral manipulation, was performed in 84 of 85 consecutive patients without the assistance of a radiologist. The Hawkins-Hunter retrograde nephrostomy technique was modified by anchoring the catheter in the renal parenchyma, which prevented displacement from the targeted calix by the puncturing needle. Retrograde nephrostomy (76 patients) or percutaneous puncture (7) was established, for a combined access rate of 99 per cent in 83 patients (2 of the 85 had prior tube placement). Only 1 patient (early in the series in 1982) required an open operation because of percutaneous access failure. Tomography showed that the targeted calculi were removed completely from 61 of 66 patients (92 per cent) with uncomplicated stones and 13 of 19 (68 per cent) with complicated stones. The patients left with fragments have remained asymptomatic for a mean followup of 2.6 years. Because the concomitant use of transurethral and percutaneous approaches to stone removal was facilitated by retrograde nephrostomy, all 59 ureteral stones were removed completely from 46 patients. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 2.6 days for 66 patients with uncomplicated stones and 8.2 days for 19 with complicated stones. The Hawkins-Hunter retrograde nephrostomy technique is the preferred method to establish the tract; it facilitates simultaneous transurethral stone manipulation and the assistance of a radiologist is not essential for safe and effective nephrostolithotomy.