Staghorn renal stones: what the urologist needs to know

ABSTRACT Patients with staghorn renal stones are challenging cases, requiring careful preoperative evaluation and close follow-up to avoid stone recurrence. In this article we aim to discuss the main topics related to staghorn renal stones with focus on surgical approach. Most of staghorn renal stones are composed of struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate) and are linked to urinary tract infection by urease-producing pathogens. Preoperative computed tomography scan and careful evaluation of all urine cultures made prior surgery are essential for a well-planning surgical approach and a right antibiotics choice. Gold standard surgical technique is the percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). In cases of impossible percutaneous renal access, anatrophic nephrolithotomy is an alternative. Shockwave lithotripsy and flexible ureteroscopy are useful tools to treat residual fragments that can be left after treatment of complete staghorn renal stone. PCNL can be performed in supine or prone position according to surgeon's experience. Tranexamic acid can be used to avoid bleeding. To check postoperative stone-free status, computed tomography is the most accurate imaging exam, but ultrasound combined to KUB is an option. Intra-operative high-resolution fluoroscopy and flexible nephroscopy have been described as an alternative for looking at residual fragments and save radiation exposure. The main goals of treatment are stone-free status, infection eradication, and recurrence prevention. Long-term or short-term antibiotic therapy is recommended and regular control imaging exams and urine culture should be done.

Complicaciones anestésicas intraoperatorias y posoperatorias de la nefrolitotomía percutánea en pacientes con litiasis coraliforme / Intraoperative and postoperative anesthesia-related complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in patients with coraliform lithiasis

Introducción: En la actualidad la litiasis renal constituye entre el 20 y el 30 por ciento de las consultas de urología en el mundo. Objetivos: Identificar las complicaciones intra- y posoperatorias de la nefrolitotomía percutánea en pacientes con litiasis coraliforme. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo en pacientes con diagnóstico de litiasis coraliforme ingresados para nefrolitotomía percutánea electiva en el Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Hermanos Ameijeiras entre octubre 2010 y entre octubre 2015. Resultados: Se identificaron 32 pacientes con complicaciones intra y posoperatorias. Del sexo masculino fueron 68,7 por ciento. La media de la edad fue 47,59 ± 12,2 años. La clasificación ASA más frecuente fue ASA II en 56,2 por ciento. Todos los pacientes recibieron anestesia general. El valor medio de pérdidas hemáticas intraoperatorias fue de 650,00 ± 413,09 mL. La reposición total de volumen fue de 10, 107,80 ± 2, 659,25 mL. Se administró cloro sodio al 0,9 por ciento 7743,75 ± 2007,39 mL y concentrado de hematíes a 18,8 por ciento del total. Las complicaciones intraoperatorias se presentaron en 24 pacientes 75,0 por ciento. De ellas las más frecuentes fueron las metabólicas, cardiovasculares, respiratorias y renales. La hipotermia estuvo presente en la tercera parte de los enfermos. Las complicaciones posoperatorio se presentaron en 23 pacientes 71,9 por ciento. De ellas, cardiovasculares, respiratorias, renales y sépticas fueron las más frecuentes. Conclusiones: Las complicaciones fueron frecuentes y graves; sin embargo, se logró un porcentaje importante de pacientes egresados curados(AU)

Introduction: Renal lithiasis currently accounts for 20-30 percent of urology consultations worldwide. Objectives: To identify the intra- and postoperative complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in patients with staghorn lithiasis. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted in patients with a diagnosis of staghorn lithiasis and admitted for elective percutaneous nephrolithotomy Hermanos Ameijeiras Clinical-Surgical Hospital between October 2010 and October 2015. Results: We identified 32 patients with intra- and postoperative complications. The male sex was represented by the 68.7 percent. The mean age was 47.59±12.2 years. The most frequent ASA classification was ASA II, accounting for 56.2 percent. All patients received general anesthesia. The mean value of intraoperative hematic losses was 650.00±413.09 mL. Total volume replacement was 10, 107.80±2, 659.25 mL. Chloride sodium 0.9 percent was administered at doses 7743.75±2007.39 mL and packed red blood cells to 18.8 percent of the total. Intraoperative complications occurred in 24 patients, accounting for 75.0 percent. Of these, the most frequent were metabolic, cardiovascular, respiratory and renal. Hypothermia was present in one third of the patients. Postoperative complications occurred in 23 patients, accounting for 71.9 percent. Of these, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and septic were the most frequent. Conclusions: The complications were frequent and serious. However, an important percentage number was achieved for cured discharge patients(AU)