Modified biplanar (0-90o) endoscopic-guided puncture technique for percutaneous nephrolithtomy: refinement with endoscopic combined intrarrenal surgery to reduce fluoroscopy and operative time

ABSTRACT Introduction: We aim to publish our innovative modified biplanar 0-90 endoscopic guided puncture technique for percutaneous nephrolithotomy in supine recorded with a GoPro® camera for standardization of the technique. It solves drawbacks of the fluoroscopic technique, i.e., in kidneys with complex anatomy, it may be challenging to distinguish calyces as they are often superposed, and it does not allow for all benefits of a combined endoscopic approach (1, 2). Our technique shortens puncture and fluoroscopic time and is easy to teach and reproduce. Methods: A 77-year-old female patient had previous double J insertion due to an obstructing stone in the right distal ureter. She managed to pass the distal stone but remained with the double J and a 20mm stone (1300HU) in the right renal pelvis. The shared decision was for the actual standard of care (3, 4) endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS). The MiniECIRS started with flexible ureteroscopy and a posterior calix which gave direct access to the stone was chosen. The tip of the flexible scope was used to mark point A with the C-arm in the 0-degree position and line B in the 90-degree position. Puncture was fast and the MiniECIRS was uneventful with a single mid-pole access guided by the flexible scope. The surgeon had a Full-HD GoPro® camera mounted on his head, controlled by the surgical staff. All essential surgical steps were recorded. Results: The quality of the recorded movie was graded as excellent, and the camera did not cause any discomfort to the surgeon. Operative and X-Ray time were 120minutes and 2minutes (7.64mGy). Hemoglobin drop was 0.8g/dL. The post-operative day-1 computed tomography scan was stone-free. The patient was discharged 24h after surgery. Kidney stent was left with a string and removed after 5days. The patient remained asymptomatic and metabolic evaluation revealed a calcium oxalate stone, low urinary volume and hypocitraturia which were treated with potassium citrate and hydration. Conclusion: The Modified Biplanar (0-90 degree) Endoscopic-Guided Puncture Technique for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy joins the reproducibility of the same technique under fluoroscopy with advantages regarding safety and efficiency of ECIRS.

Thulium fiber laser in cystine calculi

ABSTRACT Introduction: Thulium Fiber Laser (TFL) is the most modern technology to treat nephrolithiasis and ureterolithiasis in endourology. Although there are a lot of new studies coming up, we still don't have data on how this laser works in some rare diseases. Cystinuria is the most common genetic nephrolithiasis disorder (1), known for its recurrent lithiasis (2). Our main goal in this video is to show a successful case of cystine calculi treated with Thulium Fiber Laser (Laser Fiber Dust/Quanta System™). Cystinuria is the most common genetic nephrolithiasis disorder (1), known for its recurrent lithiasis (2). Materials and Methods: A 25 years-old male, cystinuric, presented with a CT scan, showing a 10mm stone on the right side and two calculi 6 and 7 mm on the left side, all located in the lower calyx. Bilateral flexible ureteroscopy was done using a reusable digital flexible ureteroscope. Starting on the left side, we repositioned the stone from the lower to the upper calyx, using a tipless front opening basket. Lithotripsy was performed using TFL. Settings were 100 Hz (frequency) and 100 mJ (energy) for dusting. Popcorn technique was also used, setting the laser at 100Hz and 200 mJ, obtaining good dusting. On the right side, lithotripsy was performed in the inferior calyx, also resulting in "snowstorm". Procedure time was 120 minutes. Results: The postoperative was uneventful. Follow up CT showed a 3 mm residual fragment in the right kidney. Conclusion: This video demonstrates the treatment of bilateral cystine calculi with Thulium Fiber Laser. Reasonable procedure time and excellent dusting results are encouraging, pointing towards great improvements in endourology.

One week pre-operative oral antibiotics for percutaneous nephrolithotomy reduce risk of infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Purpose The aim of this meta-analysis is to assess the efficacy of extended dose of preoperative antibiotics to reduce infectious risk in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Materials and Methods A literature search for prospective case-control studies or randomized controlled trials was done. PICO framework was used. Population: adult patients that underwent to PCNL; Intervention: extended dose preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis before PCNL; Control: short dose preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis before PCNL; and Outcome: systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) or sepsis, fever after PCNL and positive intraoperative urine and stone culture. This meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO database under the number: CRD42022359589. Results Three RCT and two prospective studies (475 patients) were included. SIRS/sepsis outcome was retrieved from all studies included. Seven days preoperative oral antibiotics for PCNL was a protective factor for developing SIRS/sepsis (OR 0.366, 95% CI 0.234 - 0.527, p < 0.001). There was no statistical association between seven-day use of antibiotics and fever (OR 0.592, 95% CI 0.147 - 2.388, p = 0.462). Patients who received seven days preoperative antibiotics had lower positive intraoperative urine culture (OR 0.284, 95% CI 0.120 - 0.674, p = 0.004) and stone culture (OR 0.351, 95% CI 0.185 - 0.663, p = 0.001) than the control group. Conclusion one week of prophylactic oral antibiotics based on local bacterial sensitivity pattern plus a dose of intravenous antibiotics at the time of surgery in patients undergoing PCNL reduces the risk of infection.

Comparison of the outcomes of flexible ureteroscopy and mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy for the treatment of kidney stones: a matched-pair analysis

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy is a recent advancement in the field of kidney stone treatment; however, its role has not been completely established. We aimed to compare the outcomes of initial Mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy and flexible ureteroscopy. METHODS: A retrospective review of consecutive mini-percutaneous procedures was performed. Inclusion criteria were as follows: all percutaneous nephrolithotomy procedures performed with an access sheath up to 24Fr, kidney stone burdens up to 1550 mm3; and the presence of postoperative computed tomography (for control). The data collected for Mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy procedures were paired 1:2 with patients treated with flexible ureteroscopy for stones between 100 and 1550 mm3, and with postoperative computed tomography for control. A 14Fr Mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy set was used. The stone-free rate was defined as the absence of fragments on the control computed tomography, whereas success was limited to 2-mm residual fragments. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 19. RESULTS: A total of 63 patients met the inclusion criteria (42 with flexible ureteroscopy and 21 with mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy). Demographic data were comparable. The stone-free rate and success were similar between the groups (76.2 vs. 66.7%, p=0.42 and 90.5 vs. 85.7%, p=0.57). The complication rate was also similar (26.1 vs. 9.6%, p=0.188), but Mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy had longer hospitalization and fluoroscopy time (p=0.001 in both). CONCLUSIONS: Our initial study of Mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy showed that it is a promising procedure, with outcomes similar to flexible ureteroscopy, but with higher inpatient numbers and fluoroscopy times. A larger study population size and better equipment may improve the outcomes of mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

Single-use flexible ureteroscopes: update and perspective in developing countries. A narrative review

ABSTRACT Flexible ureteroscopy is a well-established method for treatment of urinary stones but flexible ureteroscopes are expensive and fragile devices with a very limited lifetime. Since 2006 with the advent of digital flexible ureteroscopes a great evolution has occurred. The first single-use flexible ureteroscope was launched in 2011 and new models are coming to the market. The aim of this article is to review the characteristics of these devices, compare their results with the reusable devices and evaluate the cost-benefits of adopting single-use flexible ureteroscopes in developing countries. Materials and Methods: an extensive review of articles listed at PubMed and published between 2000 and 2021 was performed. Results: Single-use flexible ureteroscopes have a shaft with 65 to 68cm length and weight between 119 and 277g. Their deflection goes up to 300 degrees. Their stone-free rates vary between 60 and 95% which is comparable to reusable scopes and operative times ranges from 54 to 86 minutes which are lower when compared to reusable flexible scopes. Their costs vary between 800 and 3180 US dollars. Conclusion: single-use flexible ureteroscopes are lighter and have superior quality of image when compared to fiberoptic ones. There are no definite data showing a higher stone-free rate or less complications with the use of single-use flexible ureteroscopes. Each institution must perform a cost-benefit analysis before making the decision of adopting or not such devices depending on the local circumstances.

Effect of a low-calorie diet on 24-hour urinary parameters of obese adults with idiopathic calcium oxalate kidney stones

ABSTRACT Purpose: to evaluate the effect of low-calorie diet on 24-hour urinary metabolic parameters of obese adults with idiopathic calcium oxalate kidney stones. Materials and Methods: Adult idiopathic calcium oxalate stone formers, with body mass index (BMI) ≥30kg/m2 and a known lithogenic metabolic abnormality, were submitted to low-calorie diet for twelve weeks. After enrolment, anthropometric measures, serum exams, 24-hour urinary metabolic parameters and body impedance were collected one month prior to dietary intervention and at the end of twelve weeks. Correlations between weight loss, waist circumference loss, fat loss and variation in 24-hour urinary lithogenic parameters and calcium oxalate urinary supersaturation (CaOx SS) as per Tiselius equation were analysed. Results: From January 2017 to January 2018, 39 patients were enrolled to participate in this study. Median (range) prescribed diet was 1300 (1100-2100) Kcal/day. Mean age was 51.7±11.0 (29-68) years old and 69.2% were female. 30.8% of the participants shifted from obesity to BMI <30kg/m2 and none to BMI <25kg/m2. A significant correlation was found between baseline 24-hour urinary oxalate and weight (p=0.018) and BMI (p=0.026). No correlation was found between variation of weight, waist circumference, fat mass and 24-h urinary stone risk factors or CaOx SS. Conclusions: Short-term modest weight loss induced by twelve weeks of low-calorie diet is not associated with a decrease of 24-hour urinary lithogenic parameters in idiopathic calcium oxalate stone formers. Calcium oxalate urinary stone formation is probably multifactorial and driven by other factors than weight.

Does previous standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy impair retrograde intrarenal surgery outcomes?

ABSTRACT Purpose: The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of a previous standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) on the outcomes of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). Materials and Methods: Outcomes of RIRS performed from January 2017 to January 2020 in adult patients with residual stone fragments ≤20mm after a standard PCNL (Post-PCNL) and symptomatic adult patients with kidney stones ≤20mm (Control) were prospectively studied. Stone-free rate (SFR) was evaluated on a postoperative day 90 non-contrast computed tomography. Surgical complications based on Clavien-Dindo classification during the 90 days of follow-up were recorded. Results: Outcomes of 55 patients and 57 renal units of the post-PCNL group were compared to 92 patients and 115 renal units of the control group. SFR was lower in post-PCNL group than in control (28/57, 49.1% vs. 86/115, 74.8%, p <0.001). Overall complications were more frequent in post-PCNL group (p=0.004). Infundibula strictures were identified and incised with laser in 15/57 (26.3%) renal units of the post-PCNL group. Thirteen renal units had infundibulum stricture at the site of previous percutaneous tract (13/15; 86.7%, p=0.004) and one renal unit had three infundibula strictures. Postoperative complications were not affected by the treatment of infundibula strictures (p=0.198). Conclusions: Previous standard PCNL significantly impairs the outcomes of RIRS. Infundibula strictures can be found in 26.3% of the patients with residual stone fragments after standard PCNL for large burden kidney stones. The main site of infundibulum stricture after standard PCNL is the infundibulum of the entry calyx.

Comparing public interest on stone disease between developed and underdeveloped nations: are search patterns on google trends similar?

ABSTRACT Objective: The big data provided by Google Trends may reveal patterns in health information-seeking behavior on population from Brazil and United States (US). Our objective was to explore and compare patterns of stone disease online information-seeking behaviors in both nations. Materials and Methods: To compare Relative Search Volume (RSV) among different urologic key words we chose "US" and "Brazil" as country and "01/01/2009 - 31/12/2018" as time-range. The final selection included 12 key words in each language. We defined "ureteroscopy" as a reference and compared RSV against it for each term. RSV was adjusted by the reference and normalized in a scale from 0-100. Trend presence was evaluated by Mann Kendall Test and magnitude by Sen's Slope (SS) Estimator. Results: We found an upward trend (p <0.01) in most of the researched terms in both countries. Higher temporal trends were seen for "Kidney Stone" (SS=0.36), "Kidney Pain" (SS=0.39) and "Tamsulosin" (SS=0.21) in the US. Technical treatment terms had little search volumes and no increasing trend. "Kidney Stent" and "Double J" had a significant increase in search trend over time and had a relevant search volume overall in 2018. In Brazil, "Calculo Renal", "Colica Renal", "Dor no Rim" and "Pedra no Rim" had a significant increase in RSV (p <0.001). More common and popular terms as "Kidney Stent" and "Tamsulosin" were highly correlated with "Kidney Pain" and "Kidney Stone" in both countries. Conclusions: In the last decade, there was a significant increase in online search for medical information related to stone-disease. Population from both countries tend to look more for generic terms related to symptoms, the disease, medical management and kidney stent, than for technical treatment vocabulary.

The impact of COVID-19 in medical practice. A review focused on Urology

ABSTRACT COVID-19 pandemic is a rapidly spreading virus that is changing the World and the way doctors are practicing medicine. The huge number of patients searching for medical care and needing intensive care beds led the health care system to a burnout status especially in places where the care system was already overloaded. In this setting, and also due to the absence of a specific treatment for the disease, health authorities had to opt for recommending or imposing social distancing to relieve the health system and reduce deaths. All other medical specialties nondirectly related to the treatment of COVID-19 had to interrupt or strongly reduce their activities in order to give room to seriously ill patients, since no one knows so far the real extent of the virus damage on human body and the consequences of doing non deferrable procedures in this pandemic era. Despite not been a urological disease, the urologist needs to be updated on how to deal with these patients and how to take care of himself and of the medical team he works with. The aim of this article is to review briefly some practical aspects of COVID-19 and its implications in the urological practice in our country.

Bilateral simultaneous percutaneous nephrolithotomy versus staged approach: a critical analysis of complications and renal function

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION: Patients with bilateral kidney stones and burdened by large stones are challenging cases for endourologists. Simultaneous bilateral percutaneous nephrolithotomy (sbPCNL) is an option; however, it may be accompanied by important morbidity. An alternative is a staged PCNL, operating one side each time. Herein, we compare the impact of sbPCNL and staged PCNL on complication rates and renal function. METHODS: Patients who underwent sbPCNL or staged bilateral PCNL with a frame time of 6 months were searched in our prospectively collected kidney stone database. Groups were compared for age, gender, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities (classification by the American Society of Anesthesiology - ASA), stone size, Guy's score, stone-free status, renal function, blood loss, blood transfusion rate, complication rate, and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients and 52 kidney units were enrolled. The mean operative time was 134.7 min. Only 11.3% of cases had complications, all of them minor (Clavien ≤ 2). Overall, the stone-free rate was 61.50%. Comparing the groups, there was a significantly longer operative time in the sbPCNL group (172.5 vs. 126.3 min; p=0.016), as well as a higher transfusion rate (12.5% vs. 5.6%; p=0.036). There was no statistically significant difference in creatinine levels between the groups. Regarding the stone-free rate, there was a significantly higher proportion of patients in the staged PCNL group (64.9% vs. 43.8%; p=0.012). CONCLUSION: sbPCNL is a safe procedure; however, when compared to staged procedures it has a higher transfusion and lower stone-free rate.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO: Paciente com cálculos renais bilaterais e de grande volume são casos desafiadores para os endourologistas. A nefrolitotripsia percutânea bilateral simultânea (NLPbs) é um opção, entretanto esse procedimento pode ser acompanhado de morbidade importante. Uma alternativa é a NLP estagiada, operando um lado de cada vez. Aqui, nós comparamos o impacto da NLPbs e da NLP estagiada nas taxas de complicações e função renal. MÉTODOS: Pacientes que foram submetidos a NLPsb ou NLP stagiada com intervalo de até 6 meses foram pesquisados em nossa base de dados de cálculos renais prospectivamente coletada. Os grupos foram comparados em idade, gênero, índice de massa corpórea (IMC), comorbidades (classificação da Sociedade Americana de Anestesiologia - ASA), tamanho do cálculo, Classificação de Guys, taxa de pacientes livres de cálculos, função renal, perda sanguínea, taxa de transfusão, taxa de complicações e tempo de internação hospitalar. RESULTADOS: Vinte e seis paciente e 52 unidades renais foram incluídas. O tempo operatório médio foi de 134,7 min. Apenas 11.3% dos casos tiveram complicações, sendo todas menores (Clavien ≤ 2). No geral, a taxa de pacientes livres de cálculos foi de 61,5%. Comparando os grupos houve um tempo operatório significativamente maior no grupo NLPbs(172,5 vs. 126,3 min; p=0,016), assim como uma maior taxa de transfusão (12,5% vs. 5,6%; p=0.036). Não houve diferença significante nos níveis de creatinina entre os grupos. Em relação a taxa de doentes livre de cálculos houve uma proporção significativamente maior de pacientes livres de cálculos na NLP estagiada (64,9% vs. 43,8%; p=0,012). CONCLUSÃO: A NLPsb é um procedimento seguro, entretando quando comparada ao procedimento estagiado apresenta uma maior taxa de transfusão e uma menor taxa de pacientes livres de cálculos.

Renal manifestations of sarcoidosis: from accurate diagnosis to specific treatment

ABSTRACT Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease characterized by epithelioid noncaseating granulomas associated with clinical and radiologic findings. The cause of this disease is still uncertain. Sarcoidosis affects mostly lungs and lymph nodes and is not usually considered a urological disease, therefore, this etiology may be overlooked in several urological disorders, such as hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria and nephrolithiasis. It affects all races and genders. This review aims to describe the urological manifestations of sarcoidosis and to elucidate how the disease may affect the management of numerous urological conditions.

Computed tomography window affects kidney stones measurements

ABSTRACT Objectives Measurements of stone features may vary according to the non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) technique. Using magnified bone window is the most accurate method to measure urinary stones. Possible differences between stone measurements in different NCCT windows have not been evaluated in stones located in the kidney. The aim of this study is to compare measurements of kidney stone features between NCCT bone and soft tissue windows in patients submitted to retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). Materials and Methods Preoperative and 90th postoperative day NCCT were performed in 92 consecutive symptomatic adult patients (115 renal units) with kidney stones between 5 mm to 20 mm (< 15 mm in the lower calyx) treated by RIRS. NCCT were evaluated in the magnified bone window and soft tissue window in three axes in a different time by a single radiologist blinded for the measurements of the NCCT other method. Results Stone largest size (7.92±3.81 vs. 9.13±4.08; mm), volume (435.5±472.7 vs. 683.1±665.0; mm3) and density (989.4±330.2 vs. 893.0±324.6; HU) differed between bone and soft-tissue windows, respectively (p<0.0001) 5.2% of the renal units (6/115) were reclassified from residual fragments > 2 mm on soft tissue window to 0-2 mm on bone window. Conclusion Kidney stone measurements vary according to NCCT window. Measurements in soft tissue window NCCT of stone diameter and volume are larger and stone density is lesser than in bone window. These differences may have impact on clinical decisions.

A comprehensive literature-based equation to compare cost-effectiveness of a flexible ureteroscopy program with single-use versus reusable devices

ABSTRACT Purpose to critically review all literature concerning the cost-effectiveness of flexible ureteroscopy comparing single-use with reusable scopes. Materials and Methods A systematic online literature review was performed in PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar databases. All factors potentially affecting surgical costs or clinical outcomes were considered. Prospective assessments, case control and case series studies were included. Results 741 studies were found. Of those, 18 were duplicated and 77 were not related to urology procedures. Of the remaining 646 studies, 59 were considered of relevance and selected for further analysis. Stone free and complication rates were similar between single-use and reusable scopes. Operative time was in average 20% shorter with digital scopes, single-use or not. Reusable digital scopes seem to last longer than optic ones, though scope longevity is very variable worldwide. New scopes usually last four times more than refurbished ones and single-use ureterorenoscopes have good resilience throughout long cases. Longer scope longevity is achieved with Cidex and if a dedicated nurse takes care of the sterilization process. The main surgical factors that negatively impact device longevity are lower pole pathologies, large stone burden and non-use of a ureteral access sheath. We have built a comprehensive financial cost-effective decision model to flexible ureteroscope acquisition. Conclusions The cost-effectiveness of a flexible ureteroscopy program is dependent of several aspects. We have developed a equation to allow a literature-based and adaptable decision model to every interested stakeholder. Disposable devices are already a reality and will progressively become the standard as manufacturing price falls.

Predictors of surgical complications of nephrectomy for urolithiasis

ABSTRACT Objectives: Nephrectomy due to stone disease may be a challenging procedure owing to the presence of significant inflammation and infection, involving high complication rate. The objective of our study was to identify predictors for complications of nephrectomy for urolithiasis. Patients and Methods: A retrospective review of 149 consecutive patients > 18y submitted to simple nephrectomy for urolithiasis from January 2006 to July 2012 was performed. Clinical data, computed tomography findings and pathology report were analyzed. Postoperative complications were categorized based on Clavien - Dindo classification. Logistic multivariate regression models assessed the predictors for surgical complications of nephrectomy for urolithiasis. Results: Eighty-three (55.7%) patients were submitted to laparoscopic nephrectomy and 66 (44.2%) to open procedure. Conversion to open surgery was necessary in 19.2% (16 / 83). On univariable analysis, higher preoperative chronic kidney stage (p = 0.02), Charlson comorbidity index ≥ 2 (p = 0.04), higher ASA score (p = 0.001), urgency due to sepsis (p = 0.01), kidney size ≥ 12 cm (p = 0.006), renal and perirenal abscess (p = 0.004 and 0.002 respectively) and visceral adhesion (p = 0.04) were associated with Clavien - Dindo score > 1. On multivariate analysis, higher ASA score (p = 0.01), urgency due to sepsis (p = 0.03), kidney size ≥ 12 cm (p = 0.04) and preoperative abscess (p = 0.04) remained significantly associated with complications. End - stage renal disease with dialysis was needed post - operatively in 3.4% (5 / 144) of patients. Conclusions: We identified that higher ASA score, urgency due to sepsis, kidney size ≥ 12 cm and preoperative abscess were associated with Clavien - Dindo score > 1.

Nefrectomia laparoscópica por nefrolitíase: quando é melhor evitar / Laparoscopic nephrectomy for urolithiasis: when is better to avoid it

RESUMO Objetivo: investigar os fatores de risco de conversão para cirurgia aberta na nefrectomia laparoscópica (NL) para urolitíase. Métodos: foram revisados os dados de todos os pacientes maiores de 18 anos de idade submetidos à NL entre janeiro de 2006 e maio de 2013 em nossa Instituição. Índice de Charlson, escore ASA, função renal pela equação e estágio de MDRD (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease), achados de tomografia computadorizada (TC) pré-operatória, complicações pela classificação de Clavien-Dindo e taxa de conversão foram analisados. Determinaram-se os fatores de risco para conversão por meio de regressão logística. Resultados: oitenta e quatro pacientes foram submetidos à LN, sendo que 16 (19%) tiveram seu procedimento convertido para cirurgia aberta devido à forte aderência do hilo renal aos órgãos adjacentes. Outras causas associadas à conversão foram sangramento excessivo (n=6) e lesão do intestino grosso (n=3). Na análise univariada, cirurgia renal prévia, borramento da gordura perirrenal, abscesso renal, abscesso perirrenal, abscesso pararrenal, fístula, aderência ao fígado ou baço e aderência ao intestino foram associados à conversão. Na análise multivariada, abscesso pararrenal e aderência ao intestino foram fatores de risco significativos para a conversão. Conclusão: abscesso pararrenal e aderência ao intestino demonstrados na TC pré-operatória são fatores de risco de conversão para cirurgia aberta em LN por urolitíase.

ABSTRACT Objective: to investigate the risk factors for conversion to open surgery in laparoscopic nephrectomy (LN) for urolithiasis. Methods: we reviewed data on all patients over 18 years of age submitted to LN between January 2006 and May 2013 at our institution. We analyzed the Charlson's index, the ASA score, renal function by the equation and stage of MDRD (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease), preoperative computed tomography (CT) findings, complications by the Clavien-Dindo classification and conversion rate. We used logistic regression analysis to determine the risk factors for conversion. Results: eighty-four patients underwent LN, 16 (19%) sustaining convertion to open surgery due to the strong adhesion of the renal hilum to the adjacent organs. Other causes associated with conversion were excessive bleeding (n=6) and lesion of the large intestine (n=3). In the univariate analysis, previous renal surgery, perirenal fat blurring, renal abscess, perirenal abscess, pararenal abscess, fistula, adherence to the liver or spleen, and adherence to the intestine were associated with conversion. In the multivariate analysis, pararenal abscess and adherence to the intestine were significant risk factors for conversion. Conclusion: pararenal abscess and bowel adhesions demonstrated in the preoperative CT are risk factors for conversion to open surgery in LN due to urolithiasis.

Effect of phyllanthus niruri on metabolic parameters of patients with kidney stone: a perspective for disease prevention

ABSTRACT Phyllanthus niruri (P.niruri) or stone breaker is a plant commonly used to reduce stone risk, however, clinical studies on this issue are lacking. Objective: To prospectively evaluate the effect of P. niruri on the urinary metabolic parameters of patients with urinary lithiasis. Materials and Methods: We studied 56 patients with kidney stones <10mm. Clinical, metabolic, and ultrasonography assessment was conducted before (baseline) the use of P. niruri infusion for 12-weeks (P. niruri) and after a 12-week (wash out) Statistical analysis included ANOVA for repeated measures and Tukey's/McNemar's test for categorical variables. Significance was set at 5%. Results: Mean age was 44±9.2 and BMI was 27.2±4.4kg/m2. Thirty-six patients (64%) were women. There were no significant changes in all periods for anthropometric and several serum measurements, including total blood count, creatinine, uric acid, sodium, potassium, calcium, urine volume and pH; a significant increase in urinary potassium from 50.5±20.4 to 56.2±21.8 mg/24-hour (p=0.017); magnesium/creatinine ratio 58±22.5 to 69.1±28.6mg/gCr24-hour (p=0.013) and potassium/creatinine ratio 39.3±15.1 to 51.3±34.7mg/gCr24-hour (p=0.008) from baseline to wash out. The kidney stones decreased from 3.2±2 to 2.0±2per patient (p<0.001). In hyperoxaluria patients, urinary oxalate reduced from 59.0±11.7 to 28.8±16.0mg/24-hour (p=0.0002), and in hyperuricosuria there was a decrease in urinary uric acid from 0.77±0.22 to 0.54±0.07mg/24-hour (p=0.0057). Conclusions: P.niruri intake is safe and does not cause significant adverse effects on serum metabolic parameters. It increases urinary excretion of magnesium and potassium caused a significant decrease in urinary oxalate and uric acid in patients with hyperoxaluria and hyperuricosuria. The consumption of P.niruri contributed to the elimination of urinary calculi.

Current trends of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in a developing country

ABSTRACT Introduction To present the current practice patterns on percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in a developing country. Materials and Methods A survey was offered to Brazilian urologists during the II International Endourology Symposium held in Sao Paulo, in 2015. The first seven questions were related to demographic data while the 20 remaining were directed to urologists who performed PCNL. Results From 250 participants, 100 replied to the survey, 81% performed PCNL and 60.4% of performers had been in practice for less than 15 years. Eighty-one percent were trained in the prone position and 64% in supine. PCNL was learned during the residency in 66.7% and 2.5% had fellowship training. Prone position was the preferred decubitus for simple or complex calculi, though for obese patients there was no difference. Younger surgeons prefer supine while older surgeons prefer prone. The access was obtained by the surgeon in all cases, 96.3% use fluoroscopy and 3.7% prefer ultrasonography. Forty-seven percent use ultrasonic lithotripters and 4.1% laser. For kidney drainage, 71.6% place a nephrostomy tube. Double J stent is left in 77%. The postoperative image method was CT for 50%. Colonic injury was reported by 25%, predominantly in the senior group without statistically difference between positions. Conclusions From a selected group of urologists, we observe that Brazilian urologists usually gain their own access for PCNL guided by fluoroscopy. They predominantly prefer the prone position, use fascial dilators, ultrasonic lithotripters and place a nephrostomy tube when exiting the kidney. Fellowship programs, ultrasonography, flexible nephoscopy and tubeless procedures could be encouraged.