Percutaneous antegrade management of large proximal ureteral stones using non-papillary puncture

Objective:To evaluate the feasibility and the safety of medial non-papillary percutaneous nephrolithotomy(npPCNL)for the management of large proximal ureteral stones.Methods:We evaluated prospectively collected data of 37 patients with large proximal ureteral stones more than 1.5 cm in diameter treated by prone npPCNL.Depending on stone size,in-toto stone removal or lithotripsy using the Lithoclast®Trilogy(EMS Medical,Nyon,Switzerland)was performed.Perioperative parameters including operative time(from start of puncture to the skin suturing),stone extraction time(from the first insertion of the nephroscope to the extraction of all stone fragments),and the stone-free rate were evaluated.Results:Twenty-one males and 16 females underwent npPCNL for the management of large upper ureteral calculi.The median age and stone size of treated patients were 58(interquartile range[IQR]:51-69)years and 19.3(IQR:18.0-22.0)mm,respectively.The median operative time and stone extraction time were 25(IQR:21-29)min and 8(IQR:7-10)min,respectively.One case(2.7%)of postoperative bleeding and two cases(5.4%)of prolonged fever were managed conservatively.The stone-free rate at a 1-month follow-up was 94.6%.Conclusion:The npPCNL provides a straight route to the ureteropelvic junction and proximal ureter.Approaching from a dilated portion of the ureter under low irrigation pressure with larger diameter instruments results in effective and safe stone extraction within a few minutes.

Effectiveness of Combined Dual-lens Treatment of Ureteral Stenosis after Ureteral Stone Surgery

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of dual-lens combined treatment of ureteral stenosis after ureteral stone surgery.Methods:The study period was from January 2023 to December 2023,and the sample was selected from 76 patients with ureteral stenosis after ureteral stone surgery admitted to our hospital,which was randomly grouped into the experimental group(n=38)and the control group(n=38)by using the numerical table lottery method.The control group was treated with urethroplasty,and the experimental group was treated with a dual-lens combination,comparing the intraoperative blood loss,postoperative recovery time,hospitalization time,and complication rate between the two groups.Results:The intraoperative blood loss,postoperative recovery time and hospitalization time of the experimental group were lower than those of the control group(P<0.05);the complication rate of the experimental group was lower than that of the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Dual-lens combined treatment can reduce intraoperative blood loss,shorten postoperative recovery time and hospital stay and reduce the incidence of complications,which has the value of popularization and application.

Use of a modified ureteral access sheath in semi-rigid ureteroscopy to treat large upper ureteral stones is associated with high stone free rates

Objective:To examine differences in outcomes of semi-rigid ureteroscopy(URS)with or without a modified-ureteral-access-sheath(mUAS)to treat large upper ureteral stones.Methods:Patients with single,radio-opaque large upper ureteral stone(≥10 mm)treated using semi-rigid URS between August 2013 and October 2016 were retrospectively evaluated.The stone-free status was determined from Kidney-ureter-bladder(KUB)X-ray films taken on postoperative Day 1 and after 1 month.Results:Of 103 patients meeting inclusion criteria,43(41.75%)and 60(58.25%)were treated with semi-rigid URS with and without mUAS,respectively.The immediate stone-free rate(SFR)for the mUAS group was significantly higher than the non-mUAS group(40[93.0%]vs.46[76.7%];p=0.033).The SFR at 1 month was also high for patients treated using mUAS,but not statistically different from patients not treated with mUAS(41[95.3%]mUAS vs.51[85.0%]non-mUAS;p=0.115).Auxiliary procedure rates were significantly lower for mUAS patients compared to non-mUAS patients(2[4.7%]vs.14[23.3%];p=0.01).There were no significant differences in surgical duration and hospital stays,and the overall complication rates were statistically similar for mUAS patients compared to non-mUAS patients(1[2.3%]vs.3[5.0%];p=0.638).

Ureteroscopy and stones:Current status and future expectations

Urolithaisis is becoming an ever increasing urological,nephrological and primary care problem.With a lifetime prevalence approaching 10% and increasing morbidity due to stone disease,the role of ureteroscopy and stone removal is becoming more important.We discuss the current status of stone disease and review the ever increasing role that ureteroscopy has to play in its management.We discuss technological advances that have been made in stone management and give you an overview of when,how and why ureteroscopy is the most common treatment option for stone management.We touch on the role of robotic ureteroscopy and the future of ureteroscopy in the next 10 years.

Primary squamous cell carcinoma with sarcomatoid differentiation of the kidney associated with ureteral stone obstruction: A case report

BACKGROUND Primary squamous cell carcinoma(SCC)with sarcomatoid differentiation of the kidney was rarely reported.This disease is usually related to renal stones,and due to a lack of symptoms and radiological features,patients usually attend the hospital with late stage disease.CASE SUMMARY A 54-years-old female presented with left flank pain and an abdominal mass for 6 mo.Imaging studies revealed that the left kidney was enlarged and massive hydronephrosis was present.A stone was seen in the ureteropelvic junction.The patient subsequently underwent left radical nephrectomy,and histopathological examination of the mass revealed a poorly differentiated renal SCC with sarcomatoid differentiation.After primary surgery,the patient received four cycles of tirelizumab.Four months later,the patient developed adrenal,lymph,and uterine appendage metastases.CONCLUSION SCC of the kidney has a poor prognosis,and should be considered in patients with a renal mass,long-standing urinary calculi and massive hydronephrosis.

Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) versus Pneumatic Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy (URSL) for Lower Ureteral Stones Therapy in Asia: A Meta-Analysis

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy or pneumatic ureteroscopic lithotripsy for lower ureteral stones therapy, we sought to identify and summarize randomized controlled trials that were used to treat distal ureteral stone. Methods: Eligible studies were identified from electronic databases. Database search, quality assessment, and data extraction were performed by two reviewers independently. Our primary outcome was the stone-free rate. Secondary outcomes were the fragmentation rate, complications and the rate of re-treatment and secondary procedures. The results were assessed by Review Manager 5.0. Publication bias was evaluated by Stata 11.0. Results: 13 trials were included. Meta-analysis of pooled data showed that pneumatic ureteroscopic lithotripsy demonstrated a significant advantage over extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (OR = 0.14, 95% CI [0.09, 0.23], P < 0.00001) in the stone-free rate;the extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy had statistical disadvantages over pneumatic ureteroscopic lithotripsy in the fragmentation rate of ureteral stones (OR = 0.14, 95% CI [0.05, 0.39], P = 0.0002);and the rate of re-treatment and secondary procedure was lower in pneumatic ureteroscopic lithotripsy than in extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (OR = 5.37, 95% CI [2.61, 11.07], P < 0.00001). Our pooled results showed that there was no statistical difference between extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and pneumatic ureteroscopic lithotripsy in hematuresis, ureteral stricture and urosepsis or fever. Finally extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy had a higher incidence of colic pain than pneumatic ureteroscopic lithotripsy. Conclusion: The present meta-analysis suggested that pneumatic ureteroscopic lithotripsy had large advantages over extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in the treatment of lower ureteral stones.

Ureteral Stenting Following Uncomplicated Ureteroscopy for Ureteric Stones: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: The objective is to assess the benefits and adverse effects of routine ureteral stenting after uncomplicated ureteroscopic lithotripsy. Material and Methods: Sixty patients with ureteric calculi amenable to ureteroscopic lithotripsy were randomized to an unstented (30 patients) or a stented (30 patients) treatment group, standard ureteroscopic lithotripsy done using 8 French semirigid ureteroscope, and pneumatic lithotripter used to fragment the stones. They were followed up for postoperative flank pain, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and hematuria. Results: There was no significant difference in the mean age (stenting 37.8 year and 33.5 year unstenting) of patients, gender and stone size in both groups. No significant difference in the mean flank pain within 3 days postoperative, while at day 14 postoperative flank pain for stenting group was significant (P = 0.03). Dysuria and urgency were high for stenting group (P = 0.002 and 0.011). Hematuria within 3 and 14 days was higher in the stenting group. Conclusion: After uncomplicated ureteroscopy, stents can be safely omitted. Unstented patients have significantly fewer LUTS, haematuria and flank pain.

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.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy vs laparoscopic ureterolithotomy for large upper ureteral stone: A review article

To investigate the best treatment option for large upper ureteral stone,percutaneous nephrolithotomy or laparoscopic ureterolithotomy.We searched three key word of upper ureteral stone,laparoscopic ureterolithotomy,percutaneous nephrolithotomy in PubM ed,Scopus and Ebsco.We found approximately twenty suitable articles about this subject since January 1980 until January2014.All articles studies and reviewed meticulously and brief review of these articles was written and some Ideas of experts was added.In many studies,it is suggested that success rate and complications of laparoscopic ureterolithotomy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy are the same,but percutaneous nephrolithotomy has less hospital stay time,duration of surgery and it is more cost effective.Overall it seems that percutaneous nephrolithotomy for treatment of upper ureteral stones is preferable rather than laparoscopic

Breakdown of Kidney and Ureteral Stones Using Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy in Zakho City

In the present study, investigation of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in Zakho City for breakdown kidney and ureteral stones has been carried out. The data were collected from the center of breakdown kidney stones in Zakho hospital. A total of 34 patients (25 male and 9 female) of ages ranged from 20 - 60 years were treated with ESWL. The patient harboring 24 renal stones and 10 ureteral stones of size ranged from 7 to 23 mm of almost patients are 8 mm and composed of calcium oxalate. The study has been conducted taking in to 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 session). The results show that the number of shock wave decreases nearly exponentially with the ages of patients for calcium oxalate stone of size 8 mm under constant power 4 watt while it tends to increase according to increasing stones size for the patients of ages 20 - 30 years. The size of calcium oxalate stones decreases nearly exponentially with the patients’ ages for workers in Zakho city. Also for same size 8 mm of (calcium, phosphate, and oxalate) stones and different regions of zakho city, the number of shock waves decreases according to increasing ages of patients. Contrary to that for certain size of stones 8 mm, the number of shock wave starts to increase from uric acid to maximum value for calcium oxalate stone for the adult patients of age’s 22 up to 30 years. However for elders ages 30 - 60 years and different regions, the size of renal and ureteric stones increases from the minimum value for calcium, phosphate, oxalate to maximum value for calcium oxalate stone only. Uric acid stone requires minimum power to break, while the calcium oxalate needs maximum power to fragment due to its hardness composition. Later number of session of shock wave required for crushing each stones size increases according to increasing its size while its variation due to enhancing patients ages for calcium oxalate of size 8 mm results in nearly a decreasing exponential behavior.

Prospective observational study on the prognosis of ureteral lesions caused by impacted stones via dual-energy spectral computed tomography

Objective Ureteral lesions caused by impacted ureteral stones are likely to result in postoperative ureteral stricture.On this basis,the study aimed to investigate if dual-energy spectral computed tomography can predict ureteral hardening caused by impacted stones and to explore the relationship between different types of ureteral lesions and the risk of ureteral stricture.Methods This prospective study collected data of 93 patients with impacted stones from hospital automation system during January 2018 to October 2019.They underwent an abdominal scan on a dual-energy spectral computed tomography.During surgery,the operator used ureteroscopy to identify ureteral lesions,which were classified into four categories:edema,polyps,pallor,and hardening.Seven months later,90 patients were reviewed for the degree of hydronephrosis.Results Endoscopic observations revealed 38(41%)cases of ureteral edema,20(22%)cases of polyps,13(14%)cases of pallor,and 22(24%)cases of hardening.There were significant differences in hydronephrosis,the period of impaction,the calcium concentration of the ureter,and the slope of the spectral Hounsfield unit curve between the four groups.After that,we evaluated the factors associated with ureteral hardening and found that the calcium concentration of the ureter and hydronephrosis remained independent predictors of ureteral hardening.Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that 5.3 mg/cm^(3)calcium concentration of the ureter is an optimal cut-off value to predict ureteral hardening.The result of follow-up showed that 80 patients had complete remission of hydronephrosis,with a complete remission rate of 61.9%(13/21)in the hardening group and 97.1%(67/69)in the non-hardening group(p<0.001).Conclusion Calcium concentration of the ureter is an independent predictor of ureteral hardening.Patients with ureteral hardening have more severe hydronephrosis after ureteroscopic lithotripsy.When the calcium concentration of the ureter is less than 5.3 mg/cm^(3),ureteral lesions should be actively treated.

Mechanism of therapeutic effects of Huangbo on ureteral stones based on network pharmacology

Objective:To analyze the effective chemical components and action targets of Phellodendron chinense,and to study the mechanism of Phellodendron chinense in treating ureteral stones.Methods:Search the potential chemical active substances of Phellodendron chinense and target proteins acting on the human body through the TCMSP database,and use the genomic annotation database platform(Genecards)to predict the target of ureteral stones,and use the uniprot database Query the corresponding gene names,build a network diagram of"drug-disease-target"with the help of Cytoscape(3.7.2)software,build a protein interaction network through the String database platform,and then use the Bioconductor platform and R language GO Enrichment analysis and KEGG enrichment analysis.Results:Through screening,a total of 36 effective chemical constituents of Phellodendron chinense,8 key chemical constituents related to ureteral calculi,and 20 common targets of Phellodendron-ureteral calculi were obtained.The core genes of PPI were FOS,CXCL8,IL6,SERPINE1,VEGFA,EGF,NOS3,SPP1,CCL2,CCND1,EGFR,HMOX1,IL10,CDKN1A,CRP;obtained 36 GO biological processes,and 14 KEGG related signaling pathways,including HIF-1 signaling pathway,FoxO signaling pathway,EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance,endocrine resistance,viral protein interaction with cytokines and cytokine receptors,calcium signaling pathway,p53 signaling pathway,ErbB signaling pathway,MAPK signaling pathway,Ras signaling pathway.Conclusion:Phellodendron can achieve the effect of treating ureteral calculi through multiple targets and multiple ways,which provides a theoretical basis for the future extraction of effective components to treat ureteral calculi.

Effect of stone composition,color,size,impaction and location on the efficacy of pneumatic ureterolithotripsy

Objective:Assessment of the relationship between stone location,composition,color,size and impaction with success rate of pneumatic ureterolithotripsy.Methods:This study was performed on 440 patients who were candidate for pneumatic ureterolithotripsy admitted in an academic urology department from February 2004 to June 2006.Exclusion criteria included active urinary tract infection and pregnancy.Information such as stone composition,color,impaction,size,location and surface were recorded.Success rate was defined as stone fragmentation to < 2 mm.We used chi-square test and student t-test for statistical analysis.Results:The success rate of pneumatic ureterolithotripsy was 83.0 %.Mean stone size was 9.86 ± 3.79 mm.The stone free rates in upper,middle and lower ureter were 66.7 %,100 % and 90.7 % respectively(P<0.000 1).Stone free rate was 100 % and 69.35 % in <5 mm and >5 mm stones respectively(P<0.000 1).Impaction did not correlate significantly with stone free rate(P=0.17).The success rate was 100 % in phosphate and cystine stones.There was a significant statistical difference between success rate and stone composition(P=0.026).The most common fragmented stone color was gold(95.5 %).Stone color correlated significantly with stone free rate(P<0.000 1).Conclusion:In this series ureterolithotripsy,stone free rate had a significant correlation with stone color,size,composition and location,but it was independent of stone impaction.

Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy for lower ureteral stone through greater sciatic foramen：report of 61 cases

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Can Computerized Hounsfield Unit Estimation Be Used as Predictor for Ureteric Stone Localization by Fluoroscopy during Extra Corporal Shock Wave Lithotripsy and Ureteroscopy?

Current minimally invasive interventions for ureteric stones involve either ESWL or Ureteroscopy and stone localization is mandatory for successful treatment in both. Objectives: To avoid doing KUB radiograph before ESWL routinely by correlating the stone attenuation value on CT KUB with stone visualization at fluoroscopy. Methods: This is a prospective cross sectional hospital based, Multicentric study carried out on 1010 patients with ureteric stones in Sudan from August 2014 to March 2016. Results: Mean stone density in HU was 704.45 ± 300 (SD) ranging (81 - 1873) HU. All of the stones were localized using fluoroscopy and only 26.5% of them were not seen under fluoroscopy. I.V contrast was used mostly, and also mainly in the upper ureter. More than 80% of the application of contrast through the ureteric catheter was in the lower ureteric stones. 91.2% of patients with stone density ≤ 400 HU failed to appear at fluoroscopy and therefore 400 HU attenuation value can be used as a cut-off level to request doing KUB before ESWL and Ureteroscopy. Conclusion: the ureteric stones with density ≤400 HU the likelihood of being non-visualized at fluoroscopy is 91.2% therefore if the stone has ≤400 HU at CT KUB it is mandatory to do KUB before treatment above that it is most likely to be seen at fluoroscopy and no need to request KUB for them before ESWL or URS. 1) Inclusion Criteria: All patients diagnosed by CT scan to have ureteric stones for ESWL or Ureteroscopy. 2) Exclusion Criteria: Patients for whom treatment of ureteric stone by ESWL or ureteroscopy is not indicated like severe infection or poor kidney function where nephrectomy is needed.

Efficiency of Tamsulosin after Shockwave Lithotripsy for the Treatment of Lower Ureteric Stone: Alkaramah Teaching Hospital Experience, Iraq

Background: Stone disease is a wide health problem;certain drugs have been used as supplement with ESWL for the treatment of symptomatic uncomplicated lower ureteric stone like Nefidipine, Alfuzosin and Tamsulosin. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of Tamsulosin for the treatment of lower ureteric stone of 5 - 10 mm diameter after ESWL. Methods: A total of 105 patients with lower ureteric stone of less than 10 mm diameters were divided into two groups. Group 1 including 48 patients received 0.4 mg Tamsulosin and diclofenac sodium analgesia as needed immediately after ESWL and continued until stone expulsion was confirmed up to maximum of 30 days. Group 2 including 47 patients was given diclofenac sodium only as needed after ESWL. Result: 46 of 49 patients in group 1 and 44 of 48 patients in group 2 ultimately passed stones. The number of ESWL sessions was 1.4 ± 0.6 in group 1 & 1.42 ± 0.75 in group 2. There were 10 patients who needed analgesia after ESWL in group 1 and 17 patients in group 2. Visual analogue scale pain severity score was 5.32 ± 1.23 and 6.41 ± 1.26 in group 1 and 2, respectively. The time to stone expulsion in group 1 and 2 was 8 ± 5.4 days and 12 ± 10.3 days, respectively. No significant complications or side effects occurred. Conclusion: The use of Tamsulosin in combination with ESWL in patients with lower ureteric stone of 5 - 10 mm was effective for reducing the time to stone expulsion, decreasing need for analgesia, and facilitating stone passage without significant improvement in stone free rate.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy in the Treatment of Single Ureteric Stone. Initial Data from Iraq

Background: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) became the first line in the treatment of ureteric stone after failure of conservative treatment because of its safety, simplicity and effectiveness. It is not invasive procedure and can be done on outpatient basis without anesthesia and with few complications which is most probably temporary and treatable. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficiency and safety of ESWL in treatment of ureteric stone in Iraq. Materials and Methods: A total of 112 Iraqi patients with ureteric stones were participated in this prospective observational study in which patients scheduled for ESWL treatment for a period of 6 months. Patients were divided into 2 groups: 1) Group 1: 52 patients with proximal ureteric stone;2) Group 2: including 60 patients with distal ureteric stone. Preoperatively all patient underwent bowel preparation and were asked to fast for 8 hours before the procedure. Results: The age ranged between 22 and 55 with mean of 42 (SD = 5) years. Around 46% had proximal ureteric stone and the rest were in distal ureter. Around 44% needed one session and 40% needed two sessions to be stone-free respectively. In regards to associated symptoms, 74% had ureteric colic, 3% haematuria, 43% microhematuria and 12% UTI. Mild hydronephrosis was found in 90% of the cases and 30 reported had previous intervention. Success rate was 90%. Conclusions: ESWL is safe and effective in treatment of ureteric stone with few complications and must be regarded first choice after conservative treatment in a patient with uncomplicated ureteric stone.

Medical Expulsive Therapy (MET) for Large Distal Ureteral Stones: A Prospective Study Comparing Three Drugs

Introduction: One of the most common disorders of the urinary tract is Urolithiasis. Twenty percent of lithiasis are located in the ureter of which 68% are seen in the distal ureter. The concept of medical expulsive therapy (MET) has been developed with enough knowledge of the ureter physiology in order to make easier the spontaneous expulsion of the stone. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of three different drugs for the treatment of pelvic ureteral stones. Materiel and Methods: Between October 2017 and November 2018, 90 adult patients presenting with low or non-obstructive pelvic ureteral stones sized 8 to 10 mm were included. They were prospectively randomized, using computer-based randomization charts, into three equal groups: treatment with ketoprofen 100 mg once daily (Group I), silodosin 8 mg once daily (Group II) and tadalafil 5 mg once daily (Group III). The aim was to compare spontaneous expulsion of stone between those drugs Results: The mean expulsion time from the start of MET was 11.5 ± 3.27 days for ketoprofen group, 10.71 ± 3.98 days for silodosin group and 10.57 ± 3.40 days for tadalafil group. But these differences were also not significant (P = 0.79). The use of analgesics (grade II) was higher in groups II and III compared to group I, but without significant difference (23.33% in group I, 33.33% in group II and 40% in group III, p = 0.38). Discussion: The overall chance of spontaneous passage is low when the stone diameter is sized more than 7 mm. A wide range of spontaneous passage rates have been reported in the literature, varying from 71% to 98% for distal ureteral stones less than 5 mm and 25% - 53% for stone sized 5 to 10 mm with a mean expulsion time of more than 10 days. Conclusion: The three drugs have a low expulsion rate for 8, 9 and 10 mm pelvic ureteral stones with a higher adverse event rate for the NSAID group.

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.

Factors and Cut-Off Predicting Stone Passage under Medical Expulsive Therapy (MET)

Background: Ureteral stones are the most common leading cause of acute flank pain. This study aimed to identify sociodemographic and clinical variables predicting spontaneous ureteral stone passage and determine the optimal size cut-off for predicting such passage. Method: We conducted a retrospective evaluation of patients presenting with acute renal colic at a urology outpatient clinic. Patients with ureteral stones ≤ 10 mm and no surgical intervention post-initial diagnosis, who attended follow-up visits, were included. Exclusion criteria comprised stone size > 1 cm, fever due to obstructive pyelonephritis, acute kidney injury, single kidney status, or bilateral ureteral obstruction. Results: Of 124 included patients, the spontaneous stone passage rate was 57.3%, with a mean passage time of 11.1 (SD 6.25) days. Bivariate analysis revealed that factors predicting spontaneous passage were stone size (p Conclusions: Stone size < 7 mm, UVJ or distal ureter location, emerged as key predictors of stone passage in nephrolithiasis, and stone size below 6.85 mm is a reasonable cut off to initiate MET rather than 10 mm.