Single-session extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for urinary calculi: factors predicting success after three weeks of follow-up

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to identify predictive factors of success following a single-session of shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) at 3 weeks of follow-up in our center.Material and methodsThe medical records of 116 patients with solitary urinary calculi who underwent single-session SWL in our department between October 2007 and August 2009 were reviewed. All preoperative unenhanced computed axial tomographies were reviewed by two radiologists blinded to clinical outcome. Success was defined as complete clearance or the persistence of fragments ≤ 2 mm on a plain film at 3 weeks of follow-up. The impact of clinical and radiological factors on success was assessed by univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsThe single-session SWL success rate at 3 weeks was 49.1%. Stone size <8 mm, stone area < 30 mm², stone location (mid- and distal ureter), stone density <1000 HU and intraoperative fragmentation showed a significant association with SWL success in the univariate analysis (p < 0.05). Stone area (OR 2.9), ureteral stone location (OR 3.4) and intraoperative fragmentation (OR 4.2) were the only predictors of success in the multivariate analysis.ConclusionsStone area and ureteral stone location provide important information when deciding about the indication of a SWL in a patient with stone disease. However, successful resolution of only half of the cases after a single session at 3 weeks in our series undermines the relevance of informing patients about the potential need for additional treatment.     

Success of electromagnetic shock wave lithotripter as monotherapy in large renal calculi—Our experience

ObjectivesTo evaluate the success of shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) as monotherapy for solitary renal stones larger than 2 cm without ureteral stenting. Hence, if our study result demonstrates acceptable success and safety, we can recommend ESWL as a treatment option for patients with large renal calculi.Subjects and methodsThis is a prospective study conducted in the Department of Urology, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal, India, from January 2011 to December 2012. A total of 104 patients aged between 20 and 70 years with solitary large (>2 cm) renal stones underwent ESWL using the Dornier Compact Sigma Lithotripter. Stone size was calculated by measuring the largest dimension of the stone in KUB plain films. In each session, 3000–3500 shocks at frequency 60–90 min^?1 and intensity between 1 and 4 were given. A maximum number of six sessions were given. Successful treatment was defined as complete clearance or residual stones smaller than 4 mm on KUB performed 3 months after the first session.ResultsTotal number of patients was 104. The M:F ratio was 1:1.4. The stone size ranged from 21 to 55 mm. The overall success rate was 73%. For stones >30 mm, the success rate was only 62.2% (n = 28). The number of sessions required increased as the stone size increased. The most common complication encountered was haematuria.ConclusionESWL remains the cornerstone of therapy for renal calculi less than 2 cm. Our study reveals that multiple sessions were required for solitary renal calculi, with higher rate of ancillary procedures. The success rate of ESWL for both non-staghorn and staghorn calculi with size above 2 cm is low, so other treatment modalities like PCNL should be considered as the first treatment option. However, with appropriate patient selection, significant improvements in stone-free rates may be achieved.     

Factors affecting lower calyceal stone clearance after Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy

ObjectiveExtracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is one of the most commonly used procedures to remove renal calculi from the lower calyces. The aim of this work is to study the impact of radiological, anatomical and demographic factors on stone clearance after ESWL of lower calyceal calculi.Patients and methodsThis retrospective study included 150 patients aged between 16 and 70 years who were subjected to ESWL at October 6 University Hospital, Egypt, between June 2008 and October 2011. All the patients had solitary radio-opaque lower calyceal renal stones sized 2 cm or less. Intravenous urography (IVU) was performed to determine the patients’ lower-pole calyceal anatomy (infundibulum width, infundibulum length and the lower-pole infundibulopelvic angle). The patients who were divided into two groups according to the treatment results (Group 1: stone-free patients; Group 2: patients with residual fragments) were followed up for 3 months and re-assessed by plain X-ray.ResultsA total of 126 patients (84%) were stone-free (Group 1), while 24 patients (16%) had residual fragments (Group 2). The stone size was 0.5–1 cm in 76 patients (60.3%) and 1–2 cm in 50 patients (39.7%) of Group 1, respectively, with no statistically significant difference. In patients with a lower-pole infundibulopelvic angle ≥45°, stone clearance was 52% compared to a stone clearance of 32% in patients with a lower-pole infundibulopelvic angle <45° with no statistically significant difference. Regarding the infundibulum length (<35 mm vs. ≥35 mm) and width (<4 mm vs. ≥4 mm), no statistically significant difference was observed between Group 1 and Group 2. Ninety out of 106 patients (84.9%) with a body-mass index (BMI) ≤30 kg/m² were stone-free, compared to 36 out of 44 patients (81.8%) with a BMI > 30 kg/m².ConclusionsThere is no statistically significant effect of stone size, anatomy of the lower calyx and BMI on stone clearance after ESWL of lower calyceal stones. However, small stone size (≤2 cm), a shorter and wider infundibulum and a larger lower-pole infundibulopelvic angle seem to promote a more rapid and more complete stone clearance.     

Radiological determination of stone density and skin-to-stone distance—Can it predict the success of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy?

ObjectivesTo determine the role of stone density and skin-to-stone distance (SSD) by non-contrast computed tomography of the kidneys, ureters and bladder (CT-KUB) in predicting the success of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL).MethodsWe evaluated 89 patients who received ESWL for renal and upper ureteric calculi measuring 5–20 mm, over a 12 month period. Mean stone density in Hounsfield units (HU) and mean SSD in millimetres (mm) was determined on pre-treatment CT-KUB at the CT workstation. ESWL was successful if post-treatment residual stone fragments were ≤3 mm.ResultsESWL success was observed in 68.5% of the patients. Mean stone densities were 505 ± 153 and 803 ± 93 HU in ESWL successful and failure groups, respectively; this was statistically significant (p < 0.001, student's t-test). Mean SSD were 10.6 ± 2.0 and 11.2 ± 2.6 cm in ESWL successful and failure groups, respectively, this was not statistically significant.ConclusionsThis study shows that stone density can help in predicting the outcome of ESWL. We propose that stone densities <500 HU are highly likely to result in successful ESWL. Conversely, stone densities ≥800 HU are less likely to do so. This should be accounted for when considering ESWL.     

Modelo novedoso basado en los parámetros de la tomografía para predecir el éxito de la litotricia por ondas de choque en los cálculos ureterales de diferentes localizaciones

ObjectiveTo combine non-contrast computerized tomography (NCCT)-based parameters with stone and patient characteristics that are already known to affect shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) success and assess this novel model's effectiveness in predicting SWL success for single ureteral stones in different locations.Materials and methodsData of patients treated by SWL for a single ureteral stone between January 2017 and January 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic parameters of patients and stone characteristics were combined with NCCT-based parameters. NCCT-based parameters included the presence or absence of hydronephrosis, perinephric stranding, periureteral edema, diameter of the proximal ureter, ureteral wall thickness (UWT) at ureteral stone site. The logistic regression method was used for the development of a useful predictive model. Subsequently, the receiver operating curve was used to determine cut-off levels, and a scoring system was developed for prediction of SWL success.ResultsStone-free rate was 77,1% (267/346) in the entire cohort. Univariate analysis revealed that age, stone volume, density, perinephric stranding, diameter of proximal ureter, and UWT, were associated with SWL success. In multivariate analysis, proximal ureteral stone location, stone volume, density, and UWT were independent predictors of SWL success. The formula used during logistic regression analysis was: 1/ [1 + exp {-8.856 + 0.008(stone volume) + 0.002 (stone density) + 0.673 (UWT) + 1026 (proximal ureteral stone)}]. The scores of 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 were associated with 97,8%, 83,4%, 60,8%, 33,2% and 11,1% success rates, respectively, in the prediction model based on these parameters.ConclusionWe conclude that our model can facilitate decision-making for SWL treatment of ureteral stones in different locations.     

A single centre case series of gallstone sigmoid ileus management

Aims/IntroductionGallstone sigmoid ileus is a rare condition that presents with symptoms of large bowel obstruction secondary to a gallstone impacted within the sigmoid colon. This arises because of three primary factors: cholelithiasis causing a cholecystoenteric fistula; a gallstone large enough to obstruct the bowel lumen; and narrowing of the bowel.We describe 3 patients treated in a district general hospital over a 3-year period, and discuss their management.MethodsCases were retrospectively analysed from a single center between 2015 and 2017 in line with the SCARE guidelines.Results3 patients – 2 female, 1 male. Age: 89, 68, 69 years. 2 cholecystocolonic fistulae, 1 cholecystoenteric (small bowel) fistula.Patient 1: Unsuccessful endoscopic attempts to retrieve the (5 × 5 cm) gallstone resulted in surgery. Retrograde milking of the stone to caecum enabled removal via modified appendicectomy.Patient 2: Endoscopy and lithotripsy failed to fragment stone. Prior to laparotomy the stone was palpated in the proximal rectum enabling manual extraction.Patient 3: Laparotomy for gallstone ileus failed to identify a stone within the small bowel. Gallstone sigmoid ileus then developed. Conservative measures successfully decompressed the large bowel 6 days post-operation.ConclusionsThis is the first case series highlighting the differing strategies and challenges faced by clinicians managing gallstone sigmoid ileus. Conservative measures (including manual evacuation), endoscopy, lithotripsy and surgery all play important roles in relieving large bowel obstruction. It is essential to tailor care to individual patients’ needs given the complexities of this potentially life threatening condition.     

The outcome of laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy in difficult cases – A case series

IntroductionLaparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy (LSC) is a widely used technique for managing cholelithiasis with severe cholecystitis. The increasing popularity its utilization is due to the good safety profile and acceptable results. This case series evaluates the short- and long-term results of Indonesian patients who underwent LSC with an objective to determine whether the procedure can be a standard approach for difficult cholecystectomy in our institution.Presentation of caseThirty-four Indonesian patients (26 men, 8 women) with the mean age of 54.6 years (median 54 years, range 30–84 years) who underwent LSC were retrospectively analyzed. Nineteen patients are suffering from type II diabetes mellitus and fourteen patients with suspected choledocoholithiasis underwent ERCP prior to LSC. The major postoperative diagnosis was acute cholecystitis (16 patients), followed by gallbladder empyema (10 patients), chronic cholecystitis (5 patients), history of cholangitis (1 patient), Mirizzi’s syndrome (1 patient) and stone retention post-ERCP (1 patient).DiscussionThe mean operating time was 158 minutes (median 150 minutes, range 60–240 minutes), mean length of hospital stay of 4.6 days (median 3 days, range 2–33 days) and drain usage for 3.6 days (median 3.0 days, range 1–19 days). Postoperatively there was one case of bilioenteric fistula, one case of stone retention and two cases of prolonged upper gastrointestinal symptoms. There is no case of biliary leakage, peritonitis or wound infection.ConclusionThe outcome of LSC in this case series is comparable with other publications showing a general favorability of LSC. Further studies are needed to elucidate the clinical benefits of several LSC technical points such as stump closure, posterior wall diathermy and drain usage. Based on this preliminary finding, LSC can be applied as a standard procedure for difficult cases in our institution.     

Acceso ureteral proximal para la eliminación de cálculos sintomáticos mediante ureterorrenoscopio semirrígido ultrafino en niños en edad preescolar: ¿es posible?

Introduction and objectivesWe aimed to point out the ureteral access facility and obstruction removal efficiency of mini-URS in the use of proximal ureteral stone management in children under five-year-old.PatientsWe retrospectively reviewed the data of 26 children who underwent mini-URS-LL for obstructive stones in proximal ureter between January 2016 and August 2018. The effectiveness of the mini-URS-LL was assessed based on the feasibility, reliability, and success of the technique.ResultsMean age was 3 ± 1.3 years, and 11 (42.3%) patients were ≤ 2 years old, remaining 15 (57.7%) were aged 3-5 years. Mean stone size was 9.11 ± 3.02 mm. A stone-free status was obtained at the end of 31 ureteroscopic procedure in 24 (92.3%) patients. The mean age was found significantly higher in patients who had the procedure without pre-stenting than the others who did (P = .027). No perioperative complication was experienced.ConclusionIn preschool-age children, laser lithotripsy with mini-URS may be a safe technique in the hands with advanced endo-urological skills but it has low efficacy with higher rates of prestenting causing additional anesthesia sessions.     

Feasibility and outcome of emergency ureteroscopic removal of lower ureteral stone under intravenous sedation: A prospective study

ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy of emergency ureteroscopy (URS) with that of elective URS in the treatment of distal ureteral calculi.Patients and methodsThis prospective study included 132 patients diagnosed with a distal unilateral ureteral stone ≤5 mm and treated with either emergency or elective URS between August 2013 and July 2014. The indication for emergency URS was intractable renal pain not responding to narcotic analgesia. Children, pregnant women and patients with bilateral disease were excluded. The patients were categorized into two groups: Group I included 42 patients who underwent emergency URS under intravenous sedation, while Group II included 90 patients who underwent elective URS. The patients’ demographic data, the stone criteria, perioperative complications, procedure outcome and degree of patient satisfaction were recorded and statistically analyzed.ResultsThe mean stone size was 4.2 ± 0.5 mm in Group I and 4.1 ± 0.6 mm in Group II. The success rate was 90.5% and 97.8% in Groups I and II, respectively with a statistically insignificant difference. Complete stone retrieval without fragmentation was achieved in 83.3% in Group I and in 82.2% in Group II. The stone migrated proximally in 4 patients in Group I and in only 2 patients of Group II; these patients received ureteral stents. Mucosal injury was observed in 3 and 4 patients of Groups I and II, respectively. Thirty-seven patients of Group I (88%) reported that they were satisfied with the procedure and its outcome compared to 78 patients of Group II (87%).ConclusionEmergency URS under intravenous sedation is feasible, safe and equally effective when compared to elective URS for small lower ureteral stones.     

Management of complex biliary tract calculi with a holmium laser

The difficulty in managing complex biliary tract calculi is exemplified in patients with primary intrahepatic calculi. Standard surgical and endoscopic approaches often fail to clear calculi in these patients who have recurrent episodes of cholangitis. The success of the holmium laser for urologic calculi led us to adapt treatment strategies for primary and secondary biliary tract calculi where standard treatments had been unsuccessful. Our goals were to remove all calculi, prevent recurrent sepsis, and preserve hepatic parenchyma. Thirty-six patients with complex biliary calculi were treated. After sepsis was controlled and the extent of calculi was evaluated, appropriate access to and drainage of the biliary tract was achieved. Holmium laser lithotripsy was performed under video guidance using flexible choledochoscopes and a 200 μ laser fiber generating 0.6 to 1.0 joules at frequencies of 6 to 10 Hz. Lithotripsy procedures were repeated until cholangiography and cholangioscopy confirmed the clearance of calculi. Twenty-two patients of Asian descent with primary intrahepatic calculi and 14 patients with secondary intrahepatic calculi were treated. Access to the biliary tract could be accomplished through percutaneous catheter tracts, T-tube tracts, or the cystic duct during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Biliary drainage was by biliary enteric anastomosis or endoscopic sphincterotomy. Complete stone clearance required an average of 3.9 procedures (range 1 to 15) for patients with primary intrahepatic calculi and 2.6 procedures (range 1 to 10) for patients with secondary intrahepatic calculi regardless of stone composition. No patient required hepatic resection and no complications or deaths were attributed to the holmium laser. Clearance of calculi can reliably and safely be achieved with a holmium laser regardless of stone composition or location while preserving hepatic parenchyma and preventing recurrent sepsis. Presented at the Fourth Americas Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association Congress, Miami Beach, Florida, February 27-March 2, 2003.     

肝移植术后胆道并发症的内镜治疗

目的:探讨内镜下逆行胰胆管造影术(ERCP)在治疗肝移植术后胆道并发症方面的临床疗效.方法:回顾性分析2002年8月-2012年12月采用ERCP治疗8例肝移植术后胆道并发症患者的临床资料,其中胆道狭窄5例(吻合口狭窄4例,肝内型胆道狭窄1例),胆瘘1例,胆石和胆泥形成2例.8例患者共行ERCP治疗21次,对胆道狭窄患者行括约肌切开、胆管扩张、鼻胆管引流和内支架置放术等治疗;对胆瘘患者行鼻胆管引流及塑料内支架置放术等治疗;对结石患者行括约肌切开、鼻胆管冲洗引流术及取石网篮取石等治疗.结果:ERCP手术成功率为100％ (21/21);4例吻合口狭窄、1例胆瘘和2例结石患者均治愈,1例肝内型胆道狭窄治疗未成功,建议再次肝移植;术后胆道感染的发生率为14.3％(3/21),胰腺炎发生率为19.0％ (4/21),经对症治疗后均痊愈.结论:ERCP是治疗肝移植术后胆道并发症微创、安全和有效的方法.     

Outcome of retrograde flexible ureterorenoscopy and laser lithotripsy for treatment of multiple renal stones

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) using flexible ureterorenoscopy (F-URS) and laser lithotripsy as a treatment option for multiple renal stones greater than 1 cm.

Outcomes of percutaneous nephrolithotomy versus open stone surgery for patients with staghorn calculi

ObjectivesAdvances in shock wave lithotripsy and endourological procedures have markedly limited the need for open surgery in the treatment of renal stones. We retrospectively compared the clinical outcomes of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL)-based therapy with open stone surgery (OSS) to treat staghorn stones.Materials and methodsHospital and office charts, operative records, and radiographic studies of all patients undergoing OSS (Group 1, 11 patients) and PNL (Group 2, 61 patients) for the treatment of large staghorn calculi from 2007 to 2013 were reviewed. Only patients with stones ≥ 10 cm² in area were included. Patient characteristics, stone burden, indications, and surgical outcomes between the two procedures were compared. Stone-clearance was confirmed using postoperative kidney, ureter, bladder X-rays.ResultsThere were no differences between the two groups in patient demographics, stone size, estimated blood loss, and mean renal function level change, however, there were statistically significant differences in mean operative time (282.1 ± 54.5 minutes vs. 156.6 ± 41.2 minutes, p < 0.001), mean hospital stay (10.3 ± 1.8 days vs. 6.2 ± 2.7 days, p < 0.001), postoperative stone-clearance rate (97.5% vs. 76.1 ± 23.9%, p < 0.001), and number of procedures per patient (1.6 vs. 2.8, p < 0.001) between the OSS and PNL group.ConclusionBoth OSS and PNL are viable options for the management of staghorn stones. Considering the lower postoperative complication rate and need for auxiliary treatment, we suggest that OSS is more suitable for staghorn stones with large burdens. OSS should still be considered as a valid treatment for patients with complex staghorn calculi, although PNL is a less invasive treatment option in most cases.     

¿Podría el espesor de la pared ureteral afectar a los parámetros intra y postoperatorios de la ureteroscopia para el tratamiento de piedras ureterales proximales?

AimTo evaluate the possible impact of stone impaction in terms of ureteral wall thickness (UWT) on the success and procedure related parameters of ureteroscopic management in proximal ureteral calculi.Patients and methods82 patients with proximal ureteric stones were included and were divided into 2 subgroups where UWT was > 5 mm in 38 cases; and < 5 mm in 44 cases. Stone size, degree of hydronehrosis, diameter of proximal ureteral luz, UWT and patient's demographics were evaluated. Semi-rigid ureteroscopy with Ho-YAG laser was performed and the possible impact of UWT as an objective parameter for stone impaction on the success rates and procedure related parameters was evaluated.ResultsMean patient age and stone size values were 47.55 ± 1.78 years and 8.17 ± 0.29 mm respectively. Regarding the impact of UWT value at the stone site for the parameters mentioned above stone free rates particularly at 1-week after the procedure was higher in group 2 and the rate of residual fragments as well as the need for double J stent placement was higher in group 1. Additionally, mean duration of the procedures was significantly longer in Group 1 during which pathologic alterations were significantly higher in ureteral wall at stone site were observed in these cases (P=.0243).ConclusionsUWT may be used to predict the success of ureteroscopic management and other procedure related parameters for proximal ureteral stones in an effective manner. With this approach a more rational operative plan with higher success rates, limited complications and auxiliary procedures could be made.     

Improving Stone Clearance After Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy in Urolithiasis Patients by a Special Terpene Combination (Rowatinex): Results of a Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Trial

BackgroundExtracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) is the first-choice treatment for most renal stones. Rowatinex^®, a special terpene combination, has been used therapeutically in the supportive treatment of urolithiasis and for assistance in the expulsion of stones of the renal system for many years.ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of Rowatinex^® in the treatment of patients with urolithiasis after ESWL.Design, setting, and participantsIn a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial, 222 patients with clinically unapparent kidney or ureter stones who had undergone complication-free ESWL were included between June 2003 and December 2006. The study consisted of a 12-wk active treatment phase and a 2-wk follow-up phase. All patients underwent physical examination, and diagnosis of kidney stones was made by x-ray, intravenous pyelogram (IVP), or ultrasound at weeks 1, 4, 8, and 12 as well as after 2 wk of follow-up.InterventionPatients were randomized to receive either 3 × 2 Rowatinex^® capsules per day or placebo.MeasurementsThe primary end point was the rate of stone-free patients (without any fragments) after 12 wk of treatment.Results and limitationsSignificantly more patients treated with the terpene combination were stone free at the end of the study compared to placebo (intention-to-treat [ITT]—verum vs placebo: 72 patients [67.9%] vs 49 patients [50.0%]; p = 0.0009; per-protocol [PP]—verum vs placebo: 69 patients [78.4%] vs 48 patients [52.2%]; p = 0.0004). The treatment was even more effective when analyzed with respect to the size of the treated stone. In addition, the terpene combination treatment significantly reduced the median time to stone-free status (ITT—placebo vs verum: 85.0 d vs 56.0 d; p = 0.0061; PP—placebo vs verum: 85.0 d vs. 49.5 d; p = 0.0028). Tolerability was excellent.ConclusionsThe terpene combination Rowatinex^® was found to be an efficacious, well-tolerated, and safe treatment for eliminating calculi fragments generated by ESWL compared to placebo.     

Retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). Technical complement for cases of acute lithiasis

IntroductionWashing the renal cavities using minipercutaneous surgery shaft is an ideal technical procedure for retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) when lithiasic fragmentation is significant or if the anatomy of the renal cavities may obstruct the spontaneous elimination of fragments.Materials and methodswe performed 37 RIRS on 35 patients with renal lithiasis (14 men, 21 women) with a mean age of 56 (range 33-72) years, divided into two groups in accordance with the size of their kidney stones. Group A, 23 patients with lithiasis <1.5 cm; Group B, 12 cases with lithiasis >1.5 cm. 28 patients had a single kidney stone and 7 had multiple stones. Approach: Flexible uretrorenoscopy, 7.5 Fr (Flex-X(®, Karl Storz) by means of a ureteral access sheath. Holmium laser lithotripsy (Calculase®, Karl Storz) using 200 and 365 micrometer fibres. Fragment extraction with 1.7 Fr nitinol baskets (N-gage, Cook). In cases of significant fragmented stone burden, the renal cavities were washed with low-pressure fluid irrigation using a ureteral access sheath, which was collected together with the stone fragments carried by the “mini-perc” sheath (Ultrax-x® 18Fr, Cook; Rusch, 14 Fr) placed under radiologic and endoscopic control at the level of the calyx-papilla selected for fragment drainage.Resultsthe mean diameter for group A was 9.13 (range 5-13) mm and 20.25 (range 16-28) mm for group B. The overall mean operating time was 81 (range 30-160) min. Group A required 66.43 ± 35.18 min. and group B 107.5 ± 46.73 min. (p = 0.006). The rate of absence of stones immediately after surgery was 83.2%, 93.1% at 3 months (95.6% for A and 83.3% for B; p = 0.217). In no case was ureteral stenosis observed as a result of the use of ureteral access sheaths. In 7 group B patients (58.3%) with acute lithiasis and/or alteration in their pyelocaliceal anatomy, we performed active lavage of the renal cavities applying the aforementioned percutaneous technique. The mean post-surgery hospital stay was 2.1 (range 1-4) days. There were post-surgery complications (Clavien 1) in 7 patients (20%). Two patients required a second FURS.ConclusionsRIRS can be effective treatment for renal lithiasis >1.5 cm. Lavage of the renal cavities helps to eliminate stone fragments, reducing the possibility of retreatment.     

Comparison of efficacy and safety of ESWL in paediatric and adolescent versus adult urolithiasis: A single center 5-year experience from a tertiary care hospital

Objective

To retrospectively compare the efficacy and safety of extra-corporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for renal/upper ureteric calculi in pediatric/adolescents (group 1) vs adults(group 2).

Anatomical factors predicting lower calyceal stone clearance after extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy

ObjectiveTo determine the role of the lower pole infundibular parameters as predictors of stone clearance following extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL).Subjects and methodsBetween March 2001 and February 2004, 243 renal units in 239 patients with isolated lower calyceal stones were treated by ESWL. Stone-free status was assessed after 3 months by plain X-ray abdomen and a kidney ultrasound scan. Persistent stone fragments ≥6 months after the completion of treatment was defined as residual stone. Radiogaphic parameters were obtained from intravenous urography (IVU). SPSS version 15.0 was utilized for all statistical analysis.ResultsThe median age of all patients was 38 years (range: 20–70 years). The male to female ratio was 2.1:1.The mean stone size was 1.3 ± 0.7 cm. Overall, 144 renal units (60.9%) had undergone one or two sessions of ESWL, 43 (17.7%) 3, while 46 (18.9%) ≥4 sessions, with mean of 2.1 sessions.Stone-free rates differed significantly between favorable and unfavorable infundibular length (IL), and infundibular width (IW) (p value = 0.01, p = 0.0001, respectively). Infundibulopelvic (IP) angle had no statistically significant effect on stone-free rate (p = 0.1).The effect of stone size on stone-free rate in two groups revealed better overall results in favorable anatomy group than in unfavorable group in stone sizes, 0.5–1.0 cm, 1.1–1.5 cm, 1.6–2 cm and 2.1–2.5 cm (76.7%, 87.5%, 100%, and 56.2% vs. 41.1%, 55.5%, 66.6%, and 50%; p = 0.04, 0.10, 0.10, 0.80, respectively).ConclusionsThis study shows that lower infundibular length and width are significant anatomical factors in determining stone clearance following ESWL treatment of lower calyceal stones and these should be assessed before planning the treatment for lower calyceal stones.     

Changes in kidney stones type according to sex and age in Tunisian patients

BackgroundStudies that evaluate the effect of age and gender on the stone composition are scarce. The aim of this study is to highlight the modification of epidemiological characteristics of this pathology according to patients’ sex and age.Patients and methodsWe studied 1269 urolithiasic patients ranging from 6 months to 92 years old and known as having urinary stones (752 males and 517 females). Stone analysis was performed respectively using a stereomicroscope and infrared spectroscopy to determine, respectively, the morphological type and molecular composition of each.ResultsThe annual average incidence of new stone formation was 30.25 per 100000 inhabitants. In 1041 patients (81%), calculi were located in the upper urinary tract. Children and old man were more affected by bladder stone. Calcium oxalate monohydrate remains the most frequent stone component even if its frequency fell according to age (63.2% in teenagers and 40.6% in elderly [p < 0.05]) in favour of the increase of uric acid stones (3,5% in teenagers and 41.5% in elderly [p < 0.05]). Struvite stones were rare (3.5%) and more frequent in children.ConclusionThe analysis of these data shows that urinary stones in Tunisia are tending to evolve in the same direction as in industrialized countries.