Retroperitoneal vs transperitoneal laparoscopic lithotripsy of 20-40 mm renal stones within horseshoe kidneys

BACKGROUND Horseshoe kidney(HK)with renal stones is challenging for urologists.Although both retroperitoneal and transperitoneal laparoscopic approaches have been reported in some case reports,the therapeutic outcome of retroperitoneal compared with transperitoneal laparoscopic lithotripsy is unknown.AIM To assess the efficacy of laparoscopic lithotripsy for renal stones in patients with HK.METHODS This was a retrospective study of 12 patients with HK and a limited number(n≤3)of 20-40 mm renal stones treated with either retroperitoneal or transperitoneal laparoscopic lithotripsy(June 2012 to May 2019).The perioperative data of both groups were compared including operation time,estimated blood loss,postoperative fasting time,perioperative complications and stone-free rate(SFR).RESULTS No significant difference was observed for age,gender,preoperative symptoms,body mass index,preoperative infection,hydronephrosis degree,largest stone diameter,stone number and isthmus thickness.The mean postoperative fasting time of the patients in the retroperitoneal group and the transperitoneal group was 1.29±0.49 and 2.40±0.89 d,respectively(P=0.019).There was no significant difference in operation time(194.29±102.48 min vs 151.40±39.54 min,P=0.399),estimated blood loss(48.57±31.85 m L vs 72.00±41.47 m L,P=0.292)and length of hospital stay(12.14±2.61 d vs 12.40±3.21 d,P=0.881)between the retroperitoneal and transperitoneal groups.All patients in both groups had a complete SFR and postoperative renal function was within the normal range.The change in estimated glomerular filtration rate(e GFR)from the preoperative stage to postoperative day 1 in the retroperitoneal group and the transperitoneal group was-3.86±0.69 and-2.20±2.17 m L/(min·1.73 m2),respectively(P=0.176).From the preoperative stage to the 3-mo follow-up,the absolute change in e GFR values for patients in the retroperitoneal group and the transperitoneal group was-3.29±1.11 and-2.40±2.07 m L/(min·1.73 m2),respectively(P=0.581).CONCLUSION Both retroperitoneal and transperitoneal laparoscopic lithotripsy seem to be safe and effective for HK patients with a limited number of 20-40 mm renal stones.

Comparison of combined laparoscopic ureterolithotomy and flexible ureteroscopy with percutaneous nephrolithotomy for removing large impacted upper ureteral stones with concurrent renal stones

Objectives:The present study compared the safety and efficacy of combined laparoscopic ureterolithotomy(LU)and flexible ureteroscopy with percutaneous nephrolithotomy(PCNL)for removing large impacted upper ureteral stones with concurrent renal stones.Methods:This study included 52 patients who underwent combined LU and retrograde flexible ureteroscopy for removing renal stones(group A)or PCNL(group B)for removing large upper impacted ureteral stones and concurrent renal stones at our department from January 2014 to December 2016.Patient demographics,stone characteristics,and procedure-related parameters including stone-free rate,operation time,hospital stay after surgery,mean decrease in hemoglobin levels,visual analog scale(VAS)score,auxiliary procedure rate,and complication rate were compared between groups A and B.Results:Results of this study showed that both procedures were effective for removing large impacted upper ureteral stones with concurrent renal stones.The stone-free rate after a single procedure was 95.7%in group A and 89.7%in group B(p?0.62).The operation time was longer in group A than in group B(112.2±23.3 min versus 96.2±16.4 min,p?0.006).However,no significant difference was observed between the two groups with respect to the length of hospital stay after the surgery(5 days versus 6 days,p?0.06).The decrease in hemoglobin levels was significantly higher in group B than in group A(0.64±0.36 g/dL versus1.44±0.65 g/dL,p<0.0001).The mean VAS scores obtained at 24 hours(2.91±1.08 versus 5.10±1.01,p<0.0001)and 48 hours after the surgery(1.09±0.73 versus 2.28±0.96,p<0.0001)were significantly higher for group B than for group A.Moreover,the auxiliary procedure rate was higher in group B than in group A(6.9%versus 0%).Conclusion:These results indicate that both combined LU and flexible ureteroscopy and PCNL are suitable for removing large impacted upper ureteral stones with concurrent renal stones and are associated with a high rate of patients being stone free afterwards.Despite the longer operation time,the combined laparoscopic and endourological procedure may be associated with less postoperative pain and fewer major complications.However,the choice of treatment depends on the preferences of surgeons and patients.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy Treatment for Renal and Ureteral Stones in Duhok City

The present study reports the results of extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy treatment for renal and ureteral stones in Duhok city. The data were collected from the center of breakdown kidney stones in Duhok hospital. There were a total of 40 patients (25 males and 15 females) aged from 20 to 60 years old. The patients harboring (23 renal and 17 ureteral) stones of size ranged from 7.5 to 20 mm. Almost stones are of average size 9 mm and composed of uric acid, calcium and cystine stones. The study has been carried out by taking into consideration the parameters (type, sizes, composition and location of stone as well as region and ages of patients, also power, number of shock wave and sessions). The results show that the stones size increases according to increasing ages of patients (male and female) for uric acid ureter stone and calcium (renal, ureter) stones. Also (renal, ureter) stone size for patients aged from 20 to 30 years old increases from the minimum value for phosphate to maximum value for cystine stones, while for patients aged from 40 to 60 years old, the minimum size is obtained for calcium oxalate and the maximum size for calcium only. On the other hand, for uric acid stones of average size 9 mm, number of shock wave and sessions as well as the power required to breakdown the stones decrease nearly exponentially according to enhancing patients’ ages. At the same time, it's found that for adult patients (20 - 30 years old), number of sessions and the power of shock wave decrease also according to increasing size of calcium and cystine stones. Contrary to that, for the same ages and renal, uretral cysteine stones number of shock wave needed to breakdown large stones will be increased.

Simple Renal Cyst with Clustering of Small Stones in an Elderly Patient withType II Diabetes Mellitus

Intracystic renal stones are rare.The authors wishto report here an aged case of type 2 diabetes mellituscomplicated with sohtary renal cyst with intracysticstones.

Impact of the adherence to medical treatment on the main urinary metabolic disorders in patients with kidney stones

Objective:To assess the effect of the adherence to medical treatment on urinary parameters in the 24-h metabolic study of patients with kidney stones.Methods:A retrospective,longitudinal,descriptive,and observational study was carried out by reviewing the hospital electronic medical record from 2014 to 2018.The adherence to drug treatment was measured 6 months after its initiation,and the numerical values of the metabolic studies were compared.Wilcoxon tests were performed to compare the difference before and after treatment.Results:Ninety patients were evaluated,with 73.3% of adherence.The 180-day overall adherence rate was 61.2% in patients treated with a single drug and 85.4% in patients treated with multiple drugs.There is a statistically significant increase in citrate levels in patients with good adherence in comparison with non-adherent patients(p=0.031 vs.p=0.528).Conclusions:Medical treatment and dietary measures in patients with kidney stones have an initial impact at 6 months on the values of the main urinary metabolic alterations that predispose to calculi formation;the most significant is seen in those patients with adherence to medical treatment for hypocitraturia.

Retrograde intrarenal surgery in pediatric patients

Urinary tract stone disease is seen at a level of 1%-2% in childhood(< 18 years).In recent years,however,there has been a marked increased in pediatric stone disease,particularly in adolescence.A carbohydrateand salt-heavy diet and a more sedentary lifestyle are implicated in this increase.Although stone disease is rare in childhood,its presence is frequently associated with metabolic or anatomical disorders or infectious conditions,for which reason there is a high possibility of post-therapeutic recurrence.Factors such as a high possibility of recurrence and increasing incidence further enhance the importance of minimally invasive therapeutic options in children,with their expectations of a long life.In children in whom active stone removal is decided on,the way to achieve the highest level of success with the least morbidity is to select the most appropriate treatment modality.Thanks to today's advanced technology,renal stones that were once treated only by surgery can now be treated with minimally in-vasive techniques,from invasion of the urinary system in an antegrade(percutaneous nephrolithotomy) or retrograde(retrograde intrarenal surgery) manner or shock wave lithotripsy to laparoscopic stone surgery.This compilation study examined studies involving the RIRS procedure,the latest minimally invasive technique,in children and compared the results of those studies with those from other techniques.

Sheathless and fluoroscopy-free retrograde intrarenal surgery:An attractive way of renal stone management in high-volume stone centers

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of sheathless and fluoroscopy-free flexible ureterorenoscopic laser lithotripsy(FURSL)for treating renal stones.Methods:Between May 2015 and May 2017,135 patients with renal stones treated with sheathless and fluoroscopy-free FURSL were prospectively evaluated.Our technique involved a semirigid ureteroscopic assessment of the ureter,and the guidewire was left in situ to railroad the flexible ureteroscope.A holmium laser was used to fragment and dust the stones;fragments were neither grasped nor collected.Results:The study population consisted of 135 patients including 85 males(62.96%)and 50 females(37.04%)with a mean age of 40.65 years(range:3-70 years)were evaluated.The mean stone size was 17.23 mm(range:8-41 mm).Complete stone-free status was achieved in 122(90.37%)patients and clinically insignificant residual fragments(CIRF)in two(1.48%),while residual stones were still present in 11(8.15%)patients.Postoperative complications occurred in 23(17.4%)cases and were mostly minor,including fever in 17(12.6%),pyelonephritis in four(3.0%),subcapsular hematoma in one(0.7%)and steinstrasse in one(0.7%).These complications were Clavien Ⅰ-Ⅱ,GⅠ in 17(12.6%)patients,GⅡ in five(3.7%),and Clavien Ⅲb in one(0.7%).No major complications were observed.Stone size2 cm,operative time ≥30 min,and lasing time ≥20 min were significantly associated with a higher rate of complications and lower stone-free rates upon univariate analysis(p<0.05).Conclusion:Sheathless and fluoroscopy-free FURSL are effective and safe for renal stone management,especially for stones under 2 cm in diameter.This process is a feasible option for avoiding sheath complications,which can protect surgeons from the negative effects of radiation.

Outcomes of Ureterorenoscopy for Lower Pole Kidney Stones (≤3 cm) to the Omar Bongo Ondimba Army Instruction Hospital

Introduction: The management of kidney stones has benefited from endoscopic techniques, in particular the development of flexible ureteroscopy (ureterorenoscopy). This endoscopic treatment has made it possible to treat many upper urinary tract stones, with satisfactory results and less morbidity. This innovative minimally invasive technique was introduced in our country in 2018. It is not practiced in all health structures. We report our experience. Objectives: The aim of our study was to evaluate the place of flexible ureteroscopy laser, its feasibility, and the results on stones up to 30 mm in size only in the lower calicial group, while assessing the postoperative quality of life. Patients and Methods: We conducted a monocentric observational retrospective study at the Omar Bongo Ondimba Army Training Hospital (OBO ATH) on 22 patients with symptomatic inferior caliciel stones, over a period of January 2019 and December 2020 treated by flexible ureteroscopy laser (FUR-L), once or twice depending on the size of the residual fragments. Results: All the patients had symptomatic urolithiasis, diagnosed on the clinical elements, and confirmed in 77% by urinary computed tomography. The average age was 35.47 years ± 12, with a clear female predominance (64%). All the stones sat in the lower chalice. 66.5% of stones were larger than 10 mm. 75% of patients were “stones free” after one FUR-L session, and 100% after the second session. 10% of patients still had residual pain at 01 month which was absent at 03 month. 18% of postoperative urinary tract infections were treated with antibiotics. 90% of the patients had resumed an activity prior to 1 month. At 1 month and 3 months, 82% and 100% respectively were satisfied with the mode of treatment according to self-questioning. Conclusion: FUR-L remains a therapeutic modality for stones in the lower calicial group, for stones whose diameter is close to 30 mm. A sequential approach should be considered for diameter stone up to 30 mm.

Reliability of nephrolithometric nomograms in patients treated with minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy: A precision study

Objectives:The study aimed to evaluate quality of nephrolithometric nomograms to predict stone-free rates(SFRs)and complication rates(CRs)in case of minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy(PNL).In the last decade,nomograms have been introduced to estimate the SFRs and CRs of PNL.However,no data are available regarding their reliability in case of utilization of miniaturized devices.Herein we present a prospective multicentric study to evaluate reliability of Guy’s stone score(GSS),the stone size,tract length,obstruction,number of involved calyces,and essence of stone(S.T.O.N.E.)nephrolithometry score and Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society(CROES)score in patients treated with minimally invasive PNL.Methods:We evaluated SFRs and CRs of 222 adult patients treated with miniaturized PNL.Patients were considered stone-free if no residual fragments of any size at post-operative unenhanced computed tomography scan.Patients demographics,SFRs,and CRs were reported and analyzed.Performances of nomograms were evaluated with the area under the curve(AUC).Results:We included 222 patients,the AUCs of GSS,CROES score,and S.T.O.N.E.nephrolithometry score were 0.69(95%confidence interval[CI]0.61-0.78),0.64(95%CI 0.56-0.73),and 0.62(95%CI 0.52-0.71),respectively.Regarding SFRs,at multivariate binomial logistic regression,only the GSS had significance with an odds ratio of 0.53(95%CI 0.31e0.95,p=0.04).We did not find significant correlation with complications,with only a trend for GSS.Conclusion:This is the first study evaluating nomograms in miniaturized PNL.They still show good reliability;however,our data showed lower performances compared to standard PNL.We emphasize the need of further studies to confirm this trend.A dedicated nomogram for minimally invasive PNL may be necessary.

Risk factors for fever and sepsis after percutaneous nephrolithotomy

Objective:Percutaneous nephrolithotomy(PCNL)is commonly used in the management of large renal stones.Postoperative infections are one of the most common complications of this procedure.The present study is to determine and assess the factors that may increase the risk to develop fever and urinary sepsis after PCNL.Methods:A total of 60 patients(38 males and 22 females)with a mean age of 40.25 years enrolled in this study in Sulaimania Teaching Hospital.Patients had renal stone disease need operation with different socioeconomic status,body mass index and different type and size of stones were included in this study.Patients with preoperative positive urine culture and sensitivity were excluded.Preoperative investigations done for all patients.All Patients received prophylactic antibiotic gentamicin intravenously at the induction of anaesthesia.Renal pelvis urine sample were taken from all patients after puncturing the pelvicalyceal system and send for culture and sensitivity.Patients were monitored closely in the postoperative period for the development of fever and sepsis.Results:Mean duration of the operations was 77.08 min ranged 40e120 min.All patients had postoperative nephrostomy tube.Seventeen(28.33%)patients developed post PCNL fever and the statistically significant factors for post PCNL fever were diabetes mellitus(DM)(p Z 0.001),stone burden(p Z 0.001),number of the stones(p<0.001),degree of hydronephrosis(p Z 0.001),duration of the operation(p<0.001),residual stones(p Z 0.001)and number of tracts(p Z 0.038).Three(5.00%)patients developed post PCNL sepsis,and the statistically significant risk factors for post PCNL sepsis were duration of the operation(p Z 0.013)and intraoperative blood loss,postoperative drop in haemoglobin(HB)level(p Z 0.046).Conclusion:DM,staghorn stones,degree of hydronephrosis,duration of the operation and number of tracts are risk factors for post PCNL fever,while number of stones,intraoperative blood loss,duration of the operation and residual stones are risk factors for post PCNL sepsis.

Primary and secondary hyperoxaluria: Understanding the enigma

Hyperoxaluria is characterized by an increased urinary excretion of oxalate. Primary and secondary hyperoxaluria are two distinct clinical expressions of hyperoxaluria. Primary hyperoxaluria is an inherited error of metabolismdue to defective enzyme activity. In contrast, secondary hyperoxaluria is caused by increased dietary ingestion of oxalate, precursors of oxalate or alteration in intestinal microfora. The disease spectrum extends from recurrent kidney stones, nephrocalcinosis and urinary tract infections to chronic kidney disease and end stage renal disease. When calcium oxalate burden exceeds the renal excretory ability, calcium oxalate starts to deposit in various organ systems in a process called systemic oxalosis. Increased urinary oxalate levels help to make the diagnosis while plasma oxalate levels are likely to be more accurate when patients develop chronic kidney disease. Defnitivediagnosis of primary hyperoxaluria is achieved by genetic studies and if genetic studies prove inconclusive, liver biopsy is undertaken to establish diagnosis. Diagnostic clues pointing towards secondary hyperoxaluria are a supportive dietary history and tests to detect increased intestinal absorption of oxalate. Conservative treatment for both types of hyperoxaluria includes vigorous hydration and crystallization inhibitors to decrease calcium oxalate precipitation. Pyridoxine is also found to be helpful in approximately 30% patients with primary hyperoxaluriatype 1. Liver-kidney and isolated kidney transplantation are the treatment of choice in primary hyperoxaluria type 1 and type 2 respectively. Data is scarce on role of transplantation in primary hyperoxaluria type 3 where there are no reports of end stage renal disease so far. There are ongoing investigations into newer modalities of diagnosis and treatment of hyperoxaluria. Clinical differentiation between primary and secondary hyperoxaluria and further between the types of primary hyperoxaluria is very important because of implications in treatment and diagnosis. Hyperoxaluriacontinues to be a challenging disease and a high index of clinical suspicion is often the first step on the path to accurate diagnosis and management.

Endoscopic Combined Intrarenal Surgery for the Treatment of Postpercutaneous Nephrolithotomy Residual Stones

Endourological treatment modalities for kidney stones include extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy （ESWL）, flexible ureteroscopy （fURS）, percutaneous nephrolithotomy （PCNL）, and laparoscopy.PCNL is currently the recommended treatment for patients with complex renal stones. However, for complex renal stones, the residual stone after PCNL is very common, and the treatment is a sticky business.

The efficacy and safety of one-stage endoscopy combined with intrarenal surgery(mini-nephrostomy tract)in the prone split-leg position for complex renal calculi

Background:The goal of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery(ECIRS)performed in the prone split-leg position for the treatment of complex renal stones.Materials and methods:A mature ECIRS protocol was designed.Retrospective analysis was conducted of medical records between January 2020 and December 2021 of patients with complex renal stones at one center who underwent ECIRS by 2 skilled surgeons using retrograde flexible ureteroscopy and mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the prone split-leg position.Results:A total of 44 patients were included in this study.Mean stone size was 26.1±12.7 mm,and the number of calyces involved was 4.36±2.09.Mean operative time was 71.1±21.8 minutes.Postoperative decline in hemoglobin was 15.8±9.8 g/L.Seventy-five percent of patients achieved stone-free status.The mean number of residual stones was 2.8±2.3,and the mean residual stone size was 10.30±4.76 mm.Six patients(13.6%)developed postoperative complications,including 4 with fever during the first 2 days postoperatively and 2 patients with transient postoperative pain.No patients developed severe complications.Conclusions:Endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery in the prone split-leg position can be performed safely by experienced surgeons using retrograde flexible ureteroscopy in conjunction with mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy as a successful technique for the treatment of complex renal stones.

Flexible ureteroscopy:Technological advancements,current indications and outcomes in the treatment of urolithiasis

The last 3 decades have witnessed great improvements in the technology and clinical applications of many minimally invasive procedures in the urological field.Flexible ureteroscopy(fURS)has advanced considerably to become a widely utilized diagnostic and therapeutic tool for multiple upper urinary tract pathologies.The most common indication for fURS is the treatment of upper urinary tract stones with the aid of Holmium:Yttrium Aluminium Garnet(YAG)laser lithotripsy.Advancements in endoscope technologies and operative techniques have lead to a broader application of fURS in the management of urolithiasis to include larger and more complex stones.fURS has proved to be an effective and safe procedure with few contraindications.Continued progression in fURS may increase its clinical applicability and supplant other procedures as the first line treatment option for urolithiasis.

Current insights on haemorrhagic complications in percutaneous nephrolithotomy

Objective:Percutaneous nephrolithotomy(PCNL)is the standard procedure for the management of large and complex renal stones.Blood loss during PCNL may occur during puncture,tract dilatation,and stone fragmentation.Therefore,despite recent advances in PCNL,haemorrhagic complication still occurs.This study aims to enlighten on various aspects of haemorrhagic complication in PCNL,mainly focusing on risk factors and management of this dreadful complication.Methods:Literature search for the study was carried out using advanced search engines like PubMed,Cochrane,and Google Scholar,combining keyword“percutaneous lithotomy”with other keywords like“bleeding”,“haemorrhage”,“complications”,“stone scoring systems”,“mini-PCNL vs.standard”,“dilatation techniques”,“supine vs.prone”,“USG-guided”,“endoscopic combined intra-renal surgery”,“papillary vs.non-papillary puncture”,“bilateral”,and“angioembolization”.The articles published between January 1995 and September 2020 were included for the review.Results:A total of 3670 articles published from January 1995 to September 2020 were screened for the review.Although not consistent,multiple studies have described various preoperative and intraoperative risk factors related to significant bleeding in PCNL.Identification of these risk factors help urologists to anticipate and promptly manage haemorrhagic complications associated with the procedure.A conservative approach suffices to control bleeding in most cases;nevertheless,bleeding can be life-threatening and few still need surgical intervention in the form of angiographic embolisation or open surgical exploration.Conclusion:As hemorrhagic complication in PCNL is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality,prudent intraoperative decision and postoperative care are necessary for its timely prevention,detection,and management.

Mini versus ultra-mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy in a paediatric population

Objective:To evaluate whether there would be a difference in outcome when the smaller ultra-mini 12 Fr sheath was used instead of the mini 16 Fr sheath for percutaneous nephrolithotomy(PCNL)in paediatric patients for stones less than 25 mm.Methods:This was a prospective cohort study of patients who underwent PCNL in our hospital in a 2-year period from July 2016 to June 2018 by a single surgeon.PCNL was performed in a prone position and tract was dilated to the respective size using single step dilatation.Laser was used to fragment the stone.Stone-free outcome was defined as absence of stone fragment at 3 months on kidney,ureter,and bladder X-ray.Results:There were 40 patients in each group.Mean stone size was comparable between the two groups(14.5 mm vs.15.0 mm).The procedure was completed faster in the 16 Fr group compared to 12 Fr group(24.5 min vs.34.6 min).Stone clearance was highly successful in both groups(97.5%vs.95.0%).There was no difference in complications between the two groups.The decrease in hemoglobin was minimal in both groups(0.2 g/dL vs.0.3 g/dL).Conclusion:We found that the success rates were similar in both mini PCNL and the smaller ultra-mini PCNL groups.No significant difference in bleeding was noted in our pilot study,however,operative time was longer in the ultra-mini group as compared to the mini sheath group.

Metabolic evaluation of first-time uncomplicated renal stone formers:A prospective study

Background:Nephrolithiasis is a global health problem.The recurrence rate after the first stone clearance is approximately 50%at 5 years.Metabolic abnormalities are an important factor responsible for stone recurrence.Our prevalidated study aimed to evaluate metabolic abnormalities associated with first-time uncomplicated renal stone formers(FTURSF).Materials and methods:In this prospective,exploratory,time-bound,descriptive study,30 first-time renal stone formers were evaluated for metabolic abnormalities.High-risk stone formers were excluded from the study.Data were collected in a predefined proforma,transferred to an Excel sheet,and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences 20 and Epi Info 7.Fisher exact test,Mann-Whitney U test,paired t test,and Pearson correlation coefficient were used for statistical analyses.Results:The mean age of the participants was 35.57±11.07 years,with a male-to-female ratio of 1.72.The most common abnormality was a 24-hour urine volume of<2.5 L in 73.33%of the participants.One or more metabolic abnormalities were detected in 76.67%of the participants.Other common metabolic abnormalities detected were hypocitraturia(60%),hypercalciuria(16.67%),hyperoxaluria(13.33%),and hyperuricosuria(3.33%).Parathyroid adenoma was detected in one participant(3.33%).Conclusions:Our study documented significant metabolic abnormalities in FTURSF.Therefore,a simplified metabolic evaluation protocol should be adopted while evaluating FTURSF.Detection of an underlying metabolic abnormality would enable the early institution of preventive measures to reduce stone recurrence and related complications.

The value of three-dimensional helical computed tomography for the retrograde flexible ureteronephroscopy in the treatment of lower pole calyx stones

Objective: The aim of our study was to determine if there is any advantage of three-dimensional helical computed tomography (3D-HCT) over intravenous urogram (IVU) for the retrograde flexible ureteronephroscopy in the treatment of lower pole calyx stones. Methods: From June 2012 to January 2014, a total of 52 cases of lower pole renal stones underwent retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) in our center. All patients underwent a preoperative IVU and three-dimensional helical computed tomography urography (3D-CTU) program to define the collecting system anatomy, manly concerning the following lower pole features; infundibu-lopelvic angle (IPA), infundibular length (IL), and infundibular width (IW). The examinations were performed in the same cen-ter of reference with a standardized method and with 3D-HCT Siemens Somaton Plus equipment. The measurements were per-formed by the same researcher, using a ruler and a square. Results: Based on clinical threshold difference of the anatomic factors on an IVU image to compare the difference between an IVU image and a 3D-CT image of 52 patients, the IPA was<30? when measured on intravenous pyelography (IVP) for 21 patients. We found that with the IPA of<30? measured with IVP only 19%(4/21) were correctly classified in the same size category using 3D-HCT, whereas 81%(17/21) were upgraded to 40e50? on 3D-CT. This difference was significant between IVP and 3D-HCT. Conclusions: 3D-HCT has advantages over IVU when analyzing the morphometric and the morphological features of kidney lower pole spatial anatomy for the retrograde flexible ureteronephroscopy in the treatment of lower pole calyx stones.

Proficiency of virtual reality simulator training in flexible retrograde ureteroscopy renal stone management

Background Minimally invasive flexible ureteroscopy techniques have widely adopted in the management of patients with renal stones. We performed this study to investigate the value of virtual reality simulator training in retrograde flexible ureteroscopy renal stone treatment for catechumen.

Comparison stone-free rate and effects on quality of life of percutaneous nephrolithotomy and retrograde intrarenal surgery for treatment of renal pelvis stone(2-4 cm):A prospective controlled study

Objectives:The aim of our study was to compare the effects on quality of life(QoL)and stone-free rate(SFR)of percutane nephrolithotomy(PNL)and retrograde intrarenal surgery(RIRS)in patients with renal stones 2-4 cm.Materials and methods:A total of 102 patients with renal pelvis stones were enrolled in this prospective controlled study,of which 52 were performed RIRS and 50 with PNL.The QoL was evaluated by using Short From-36 pre-and post-operatively.Also,the surgical data of all patients during and after the operations were compared between the 2 groups.Results:The mean age,body mass index,stone size and density of the patients in the 2 groups were statistically similar(p>0.05).The SFR of PNL and RIRS were found 94%(47/50)and 73%(38/52),respectively(p<0.01).There were no statistically differences between operation times,minor complication rates and Short From-36 scores of the 2 groups.Hospitalization times were 1.13±0.34days for RIRS and 2.9±5.7days for PNL(p<0.05).While the blood transfusion rate of PNL group was 8%(4/50),none patient was made blood transfusion in RIRS.Conclusions:The results of our study show that the blood transfusion rates and hospitalization times of RIRS group are significantly lower than PNL for management of renal pelvis stone 2-4 cm.Despite these advantages of RIRS,the SFR is significantly lower than PNL for these stones.The effects on QoL of the both interventions before and after surgery were similar.