ABSTRACT
s: Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided upper-pole access percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for the treatment of renal staghorn calculi. Methods From October 2008 to July 2012,193 cases of renal staghorn calculi treated with ultrasound-guided upper-pole access PCNL were reviewed. Among the 193 cases,74 cases were complete staghorn calculi while the other 119 cases were partial staghorn calculi, and the calculi diameter was 2. 5 to 9. 0 cm. All the 193 cases were treated through upper-pole ac-cess successfully,70 accesses were accomplished below the 12th rib,while the other 123 accesses were accomplished between the 11th adn 12th rib. Disintegration of the stone was accomplished using Holmium laser. Results The mean operative time was 70 min (45~150 min), single tract was used in 186 cases, and double tracts were used in the other 7 cases. The stone clearance rate for one session was 72. 0%(139/193),and the total stone clearance rate was 88. 1%(170/193). Transfusion was required in 6 patients, while 2 patients with signifi-cant bleeding were treated with selective renal arterial embolization. Hydrothorax occured in 4 patients, and closed thoracic drainage was re-quired in 2 of them. 20 patients had fever, and they recovered after effective antibiotic treatment. No patients had injury to the lung or other viscera. Conclusion Upper-pole access offers optimal visibility and convenience for rigid ureteroscope to achieve a high rate of stone-free status and operating time reduce. Ultrasound guided upper-pole access PCNL should be attempted in selected cases of renal staghorn stone.
ABSTRACT
Objective To review the safety and efficacy of upper-pole access percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Methods From May 2008 to May 2010,237 cases ( 135 males and 102 females with mean age of 42 yrs) of renal or proximal ureteral calculi treated with upper-pole access PCNL were reviewed.The indications included calculus larger than 1.5 cm or impacted proximal ureteral calculi in 94 cases,calculus≥2 cm or impacted renal pelvic calculi in 26 cases,staghorn or multiple calculi in 68 cases,complex lower calyx calculi in 13 cases,upper calyx calculi not amenable to ESWL or URS in 12 cases,calculi within upper calyx diverticulum in 3 cases,combined UPJ obstruction or upper ureteral stenosis in 8 cases,morbidly obese patients in 3 cases,calculi within horseshoe kidneys in 6 cases,calculi within transplanted kidneys or ureters in 4 cases.Of the 237 cases,175 tracts (73.8％) were above the 12th rib,46were above the 11th rib,12 were below the 12th rib,4 were in the lower abdomen for renal transplant patients. Results The overall stone clearance rate with upper-pole access PCNL monotherapy was 74.3％.Additional punctures were required in 55 cases and combined ESWL in 6 cases.Total stone clearance rate at 3 months after operation was 88.2％.16 patients (6.8％) had a pleural injury.Thoracentesis was required in 8 patients,closed thoracic drainage in 5 patients,conservative treatment in 3 patients.After nephrostomy tube removed,pleural irritation symptom appeared in 12 cases (5.1％) who required symptomatic treatment.No patient had injury to the lung or other viscera.Significant bleeding requiring blood transfusion was olserved in 5 patients,while selective renal arterial embolization was required in 2 cases. Conclusions Upper-pole access offers optimal visibility,convenience for the movement of rigid nephroscope and high stone-free rate.It should be attempted in selected cages of upper ureteral calculi and complex renal calculi.