Outcomes of fluoroscopy-free retrograde intrarenal surgery and predictive factors of stone-free

Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of flouroscopy-free retrograde intrarenal surgery (ffRIRS) and to investigate the factors that may affect stone-free rate. Materials and methods: The charts of patients who underwent ffRIRS between January 2017 and August 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients with missing preoperative imaging and patients with kidney anomalies were excluded from the study. Age, gender, stone size, stone localization, stone density, laterality, operation time, stone-free rate, complications and auxiliary procedures were recorded and analyzed. Results: Study group involved 44 (43.1%) female and 58 (56.8%) male patients. Stone-free rate in a single-session ffRIRS were found to be correlated with stone localization (p = 0.003), stone volume (p = 0.004), and stone density (p = 0.009) but not with age (p = 0.950). Patients with multiple calyceal stones and a stone burden over 520 mm3 were found to be less stone-free. The complication rate in female gender (n = 7) was significantly higher compared to male (n = 1) (p = 0.011). No major complications such as ureteral injury or avulsion were observed. Overall, 13 patients (12.7%) needed auxiliary procedures. The operation time seemed to be affected by stone size and gender (p = 0.005; p = 0.044, respectively). Conclusions: Stone-free rate in ffRIRS were found to be affected by stone density, size, and localization. Patients with multiple caliceal stones and high stone burden (< 520 mm3) have been found to have low stone-free rate, so one can speculate that having fluoroscopy assistance in RIRS might help us to improve surgical success.

Comparison between different techniques for management of renal stones in horseshoe kidneys

Objective To report the operative management , intra and post operative complications and subsequent stone-free rates of patients with urolithiasis in a horseshoe kidneys. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed all patients presenting to our centre with a horseshoe kidney and urolithiasis over a 20-year period. The stone burden, surgical management, complications and stone clearance rates were recorded. Results In all, 80 patients with urolithiasis in horseshoe kidney were treated. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) was used in 28 patients. 12 patients had laparoscopic assisted PCNL , 8 had flexible ureteroscopy and 18 had laparoscopic pyelolithotomy . PCNL was used for large stones = (mean digitized surface area= 614.32 mm 2 ) 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. only 33% of patients treated with flexible ureteroscopy was cleared from stones in one session and surprisingly, 89% of patients treated with laparoscopic pyelolithotomy was stone free after one session Complications were minimal, with 15% minor and 3% major complications in the PCNL group only.. Conclusions 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.

Factors Affecting Transfusion During Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A Retrospective Study of 665 Cases

Purpose: To evaluate the aspects affecting transfusion following percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).Background: From 2016 to 2019, 665 patients underwent PCNL for removal of renal calculi in our center. Complications, including hemorrhages, have been reported. Twenty-three patients (3.5%) have received a blood transfusion and twelve (1.9%) were treated by hyper-selective embolization. We focus on the influencing factors related to postoperative blood transfusion. The factors analyzed were (age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, serum creatinine level, preoperative hemoglobin, and use of anticoagulants or antiplatelet medications); renal and stone factors (previous surgery, abnormal anatomy, stone side, stone burden, stone type); and surgical features: (access number, the calyx of puncture and stone-free rate). These data were analyzed for the presence of bleeding.Results: Among individual factors, preoperative hemoglobin level (P<0.001), and urinary infection (P<0.001) were significantly correlated with blood transfusion. Among renal and stone factors, only previous history of open surgery was significantly correlated with blood transfusion (P<0.05). Stone type or stone burden does not correlate with transfusion. There was also no statistically significant correlation between surgical features and bleeding, and a lower stone-free rate reported for transfusion group.Conclusion: The obtained results demonstrated that PCNL is a safer surgery in a high volume center, but anemic conditions, infections and history of open surgery will significantly increase transfusion rate following PCNL.

Flexible Ureterorenoscopy under Spinal Anesthesia: Focus on Technique, Results, Complications, and Patients’ Satisfaction from a Large Series

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Although spinal anesthesia (SA) may reduce postoperative morbidity, most urologists perform flexible ureterorenoscopy (fURS) under general anesthesia (GA). The objective of our study is to provide technical details, results, complications, and patients’ satisfaction with fURS performed under exclusive SA. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We analyzed all consecutive fURS performed under SA to treat renal stones from March 2011 to February 2017. Details of technique, operative time, outcomes, need for further treatments, complications, and patients’ satisfaction were evaluated. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Two hundred thirty-four fURS under SA were considered. SA was performed through L2-L3 vertebral interspace in 64.1%. Patients were discharged the same day of surgery. Mean stone burden was 13.5 ± 6.6 mm and mean operative time 76.9 ± 34.6 min. Single-procedure SFR was 69.7%. Further treatments were performed in 22.8%. 96.6% had no anesthesia-related complications. No Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ IIIb complications were noticed. 99.6% of patients were satisfied with SA. No cases of conversion from SA to GA occurred. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> fURS can be performed safely and efficiently under SA, taking into account a few details of the technique. Patients’ satisfaction with SA is very high, and complications are rare. Although SA is usually adopted in unfit patients for GA, it may be considered as a viable alternative in fit patients.

The Effect of Shock Wave Lithotripsy on Male and Female Sexual Dysfunction in Patients with Proximal Ureteral Stones

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> This study aims to investigate the effects of shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) treatment for proximal ureteral stones on the sexual functions of patients of both genders. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> In this prospective study, 30 female and 72 male patients who had received SWL treatment for proximal ureteral stones in our clinic between August 2019 and October 2020 were evaluated. CT, creatinine, urinary analysis, and culture were performed during the initial consultation for all patients. Information regarding the age, BMI, and stone burden of the patients was recorded. Male patients answered the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) questionnaire, and female participants answered the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) 3 times: pre-procedural and post-procedural first and third month. CT was repeated on the first month, and any residues were noted. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The mean IIEF-5 scores of the male patients were 23.11 ± 8.11 prior to surgery, and it decreased to 19.74 ± 7.65 in the first month and 23.88 ± 9.23 in the third, <i>p</i> = 0.001. The mean FSFI scores of female patients were 18.2 ± 9.9, which decreased to 12.8 ± 6.12 in the first month and 17.8 ± 8.66 in the third, <i>p</i> = 0.001. Univariate analysis revealed that the patients’ age (male: <i>p</i> = 0.004 and female: <i>p</i> = 0.008) and BMI (male: <i>p</i> = 0.044 and female: <i>p</i> = 0.027) were related to the poorer scores for both genders. However, there were not any significant findings regarding stone burden (male: <i>p</i> = 0.054 and female: <i>p</i> = 0.078). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> The possibility of developing temporary sexual dysfunction should be taken into account for patients who are candidates for SWL treatment. As the patient’s age and BMI increase, SWL-related sexual dysfunction becomes more severe.

Factors related to the success rate of pediatric extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital: an 8-year single-center experience

Background ESWL is still considered as the first favorable therapeutic option for urinary stone disease with acceptable effectivity. However, factors associated with favorable outcome have not been widely studied in pediatrics due to the small number of urinary stone prevalence. The aim of this study is to evaluate the factors associated with the success rate of pediatric ESWL in our center according to immediate stone-free rate and 3-month stone-free rates. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study of children less than 18 years who had ESWL for urolithiasis from January 2008 until August 2015. Patient’s characteristics including age, gender, BMI, stone location, stone length, stone burden, stone opacity, and number of ESWL sessions were gathered from the medical record. Nutritional status was determined according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention BMI curve. The outcome of this study was the factors related to the success rate in pediatric ESWL. Results Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy was done for 36 patients and 39 renal units (RUs) with mean age of 13.7 ± 4.3 years old, height of 1480 ± 16.0 cm, and BMI of 20.0 ± 3. Of 36 patients included, 39 renoureteral units (RUs) and 46 ESWL sessions were recorded. The mean overall treatment was 1.2 ± 0.5 sessions with mean stone length of 11.1 ± 6.3 mm and stone burden of 116.6 ± 130.3 mm2. Within 3 months of follow-up, we recorded that the overall 3-month success rate was 100%, while the overall 3-month stone-free rate was 66.7%. Stone length (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001), stone perpendicular length (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001), and stone burden (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001) were found to be significantly associated with immediate success and 3-month stone-free status, respectively. Conclusions ESWL is an effective and safe modality to treat pediatric urolithiasis cases. Stone length, stone perpendicular length, and stone burden were found to be associated with immediate success and 3-month stone-free status after pediatric ESWL treatment.

Does volume matter? Incorporating estimated stone volume in a nomogram to predict ureteral stone passage

Introduction: Recent studies have shown that software-generated 3D stone volume calculations are better predictors of stone burden than measured maximal axial stone diameter. However, no studies have assessed the role of formula estimated stone volume, a more practical and cheaper alternative to software calculations, to predict spontaneous stone passage (SSP). Methods: We retrospectively included patients discharged from our emergency department on conservative treatment for ureteral stone (≤10 mm). We collected patient demographics, comorbidities, and laboratory tests. Using non-contrast computed tomography (CT) reports, stone width, length, and depth (w, l, d, respectively) were used to estimate stone volumes using the ellipsoid formula: V=π*l*w*d*0.167. Using a backward conditional regression, two models were developed incorporating either estimated stone volume or maximal axial stone diameter. A receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed and the area under the curve (AUC) was computed and compared to the other model. Results: We included 450 patients; 243 patients (54%) had SSP and 207 patients (46%) failed SSP. The median calculated stone volume was significantly smaller among patients with SSP: 25 (14–60) mm3 vs. 113 (66–180) mm3 (p<0.001). After adjusting for covariates, predictors of retained stone included: neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) ≥3.14 (odds ratio [OR] 6, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 3.49–10.33), leukocyte esterase (LE) >75 (OR 4.83, 95% CI 2.12–11.00), and proximal stone (OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.16–3.83). For every 1 mm3 increase in stone volume, the risk of SSP failure increased by 2.5%. The model explained 89.4% (0.864–0.923) of the variability in the outcome. This model was superior to the model including maximal axial diameter (0.881, 0.847–0.909, p=0.04). Conclusions: We present a nomogram incorporating stone volume to better predict SSP. Stone volume estimated using an ellipsoid formula can predict SSP better than maximal axial diameter.

The factors that affecting shockwave lithotripsy treatment outcome of kidney stones

Bacground: We aimed to analyze combination of the schockwave lithotripy (SWL) success predictors. Methods: In this retrospective study, the outcomes of the patients with kidney stones treated with SWL were analyzed. Adult patients (≥18 years) with complete records with non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT), stone analysis, laboratory data were involved in the study. Patients who were with urinary system anomalies, who were receiving alpha-blocker and/or calcium channel blockers and whom with impaired kidney function were excluded. The effect of stone density, skin-to-stone distance (SSD), perirenal tissue density (PTD), subcutaneous tissue density (STD), stone size, stone burden, stone localization, infundibulopelvic angle (IA), as well as body mass index (BMI) and stone analysis results on the success of the treatment was evaluated. Results: SSD, PTD, STD, stone localization, IA, as well as body-mass index, did not have any association with SWL success. Stone size and stone burden had a significant association with treatment success (p = 0.0001), and the cut-off values determined for stone size and stone burden were 12.95 mm (p = 0.0006) and 121.38 mm2 (p = 0.004) respectively. Stone density also had a significant association with treatment success (p = 0.0001), and the cut-off value determined for stone density was 739 HU (Hounsfield Unit) (p = 0.001). Treatment success was significantly lower in cystine and calcium oxalate monohydrate stones compared to other stone types (p = 0.019). Conclusion: Significant markers that determine SWL effectiveness are stone size, stone burden, stone density and, besides, stone type.

Predictive factors of stone-free status in renal stone treatment with flexible ureterorenoscopy

Objective: Flexible ureterorenoscopy (fURS) is one of the standard treatments for renal calculi up to 20 mm. This study aims to identify factors associated with stone-free status. Materials and Methods: We included patients undergoing fURS for treatment of small to medium-size renal stone (no single stone larger than 20 mm) from April 2017 to September 2019 at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. All patients had a preoperative CT scan and postoperative imaging for comparison. We collected patient characteristics (sex, age, previous ipsilateral urinary tract surgery, preoperative ureteral stent placement), stone factors (total stone burden, stone number, stone density) and renal factors (anatomical abnormalities, stone location in a lower pole, number of caliceal involvement) and correlated the data against postoperative stone-free status (defined as residual fragment ≤ 2 mm). Results: The overall stone-free rate was 53.3%. From the univariate analysis, previous surgery, total stone burden, stone number, stone location in the lower pole, and the number of caliceal involvement were associated with stone-free status. However, only the total stone burden remained statistically significant in the multivariate analysis (p-value < 0.05). The stone-free rates were 75.9%, 57.1%, and 11.1% in the total stone burden ≤ 10 mm, 11-20 mm, > 20 mm, respectively. Conclusion: Following treatment of renal stones ≤ 20 mm with fURS, the stone-free rate was 53.3% and was significantly associated with the preoperative total stone burden.