Comparison of different stone scoring systems in predicting the stone-free rate after RIRS for upper urinary tract lithiasis / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective:To compare the accuracy of different stone scoring systems for predicting the stone-free rate (SFR) after retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS).Methods:The clinical data of 227 patients with lithiasis undergoing RIRS from June 2017 to December 2020 in Affiliated Benq Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and Qingdao Fuwai Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. There were 152 males and 75 females. The average age was (53.0±10.4) years old. The average body mass index was (26.9±2.1)kg/m 2. The maximum diameter of the stone was (22.7±12.8)mm. The stone is located in left side in 133 cases and in right side in 94 cases. The stones of 44 cases were located in upper ureter, upper calyceal or renal pelvis, that of 23 cases were in medium calyceal, 157 cases in lower calyceal, and 3 cases in calyceal diverticulum.The average CT value of stone was (778.3±350.4)HU. American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA)scores: 86 cases of grade Ⅰ, 129 cases of grade Ⅱ, 12 cases of grade Ⅲ. Preoperative non-contrast CT was conducted and three-dimensional data were constructed. A single observer reviewed and entered the modified S.T.O.N.E., RUSS, modified S-ReSC, R. I.R.S., SHA.LIN, Ito nomogram, S. O.L.V.E., stone free index (SFI) scores. Logistic analysis were performed between every score and SFR. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to detect sensitivity and specificity of every score in predicting the SFR. The predictive accuracies of all scores were compared. Results:The SFR was 83.0%(189/227). There were statistically significant differences in modified S. T.O.N.E.(10.5±1.9 vs. 12.7±1.8), RUSS[1(0, 4) vs. 3(0, 6)], modified S-ReSC (8.2±5.6 vs. 11.8±6.0), R.I.R.S.(6.2±1.4 vs. 8.1±1.2), SHA.LIN (9.9±2.4 vs. 13.0±2.1), Ito nomogram (12.1±5.8 vs. 4.3±3.3), S. O.L.V.E. (6.8±1.6 vs. 8.7±1.2), SFI score (7.9±1.1 vs. 6.3±0.9) between the stone-free group and the stone remaining group ( P <0.05). Logistic regression revealed that modified S.T.O.N.E., RUSS, modified S-ReSC, R. I.R.S., SHA.LIN, Ito nomogram, S. O.L.V.E. and SFI score were significantly associated with SFR( P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the area under the curve (AUC) between the modified S. T.O.N.E., RUSS, R. I.R.S., SHA.LIN, Ito nomogram, S. O.L.V.E. and SFI score( P>0.05), but there were significant differences in the AUC between modified S-ReSC score and other score ( P<0.05). When the cutoff of SHA.LIN, SFI and R. I.R.S. score was determined as 10, 6 and 6 scores, the specificity of SHA.LIN, SFI and R. I.R.S. score was 94.7%, 92.6% and 89.5%, respectively. Conclusions:All score could predict the postoperative SFR of RIRS, while the SHA.LIN, SFI and R.I.R.S. score were more accurate than the other scores. The accuracy of the modified S-ReSC in predicting SFR after RIRS was slightly worse than other scores.

Comparative study of ultrasound combined with endoscopy and ultrasound combined with X-ray guided PCNL in the treatment of complex renal calculi / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective:To compare the efficacy of ultrasound combined with endoscopy and ultrasound combined with X-ray guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy(PCNL) in the treatment of complex renal calculi.Methods:The clinical data of 119 patients with complex kidney stones treated by ultrasound combined with endoscopy or ultrasound combined with X-ray guided PCNL in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from March 2019 to February 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. According to different guidance methods, they were divided into ultrasound combined with endoscopic guidance group and ultrasound combined with X-ray guidance group.There was no significant difference in age [(53.9±14.2) years vs. (55.6±13.5) years], gender (male/female: 38/21 vs. 30/30), body mass index [(25.0±3.7) kg/m 2 vs. (24.8±3.8)kg/m 2], stone location (left/right: 34/25 vs. 31/29), maximum diameter of renal stones [(31.9±8.3)mm vs. (33.9±13.5)mm], kidney stones maximum cross-sectional area [(601.5±242.5)mm 2 vs. (632.6±278.9)mm 2], number of renal calices involved (3.5±0.9 vs. 3.6±1.3), S. T.O.N.E. scores (9.4±1.0 vs. 9.7±1.4), Guy's grade(Ⅲ/Ⅳ: 45/14 vs. 41/19), preoperative hemoglobin [(125.2±21.5)g/L vs. (125.6±18.4)g/L], serum creatinine[(89.1±33.8) μmol/L vs. (81.9±27.1) μmol/L], urinary tract infection (43/59 vs. 47/60)and positive urinary bacterial culture (12/59 vs.11/60) between the two groups(all P>0.05). The patients in the ultrasound combined with endoscopic guidance group were placed in the modified prone split-leg position. Flexible ureteroscope retrograde into the renal pelvis, combined with ultrasound to determine the best puncture calices. The channels were established and stones were removed under the guidance of ultrasound and endoscopy. In the ultrasound combined with X-ray guidance group, the F5 ureteral catheter was placed retrogradely into the operative side ureter under the lithotomy position. Then the patient changed to prone position and the target calices were punctured under the guidance of ultrasound and X-ray. Through anterograde or retrograde injection of contrast medium, the puncture position was determined to enter in the center of the calicean dome, and the channel establishment process and stone removal are monitored. The operative results and postoperative data were recorded. Results:The average operation time in the ultrasound combined with endoscopic guidance group was significantly shorter than that in the ultrasound combined with X-ray guidance group [(90.2 ± 34.5) min vs. (129.4 ± 43.0) min, P < 0.001]. There was no significant difference in the success rates of initial channel establishment [94.0% (63/67) vs. 87.7% (107/122), P = 0.167], the time of single channel establishment [(7.7 ± 1.9) min vs. (7.7 ± 1.4) min, P =0.765], serum creatinine on the first day after operation[ (89.3±33.6) μmol/L vs. (82.9±27.0) μmol/L, P=0.257] and postoperative hospital stay[(5.3±1.6) d vs.(5.4±1.7) d, P=0.883]. In contrast, patients in ultrasound combined with X-ray guidance group had higher stone free rate [93.3% (56/60) vs. 81.4% (48/59), P=0.049] and lower reoperation rate [3.3% (2/60) vs. 15.3% (9/59), P=0.025]. The mean hemoglobin decrease value of ultrasound combined with endoscopic guidance group was significantly lower than ultrasound combined with X-ray guidance group on the first day after operation [(8.7±6.3) g/L vs. (16.8±6.9) g/L, P<0.001]. The complication rate of ultrasound combined with endoscopic guidance group was significantly lower than that of ultrasound combined with X-ray guidance group [5.1% (3/59) vs. 16.7% (10/60), P = 0.043]. Conclusions:Ultrasound combined with endoscopic guidance PCNL does not need to change body position during operation and has fewer puncture channels, thus saving operation time and reducing complications. It is more suitable for patients with isolated kidney or easy bleeding. Ultrasound combined with X-ray guidance is conducive to the establishment of multi-channel, the stone clearance rate is high and the reoperation rate is low, which is suitable for patients with good health and more renal calices involved with stones.

Clinical study of retrograde intrarenal surgery and miniaturized percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the treatment of lower pole kidney stones with a diameter <1.5 cm / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of retrograde intrarenal surgery(RIRS) and miniaturized percutaneous nephrolithotomy(mini-PCNL) in the treatment of lower pole kidney stones with a diameter <1.5 cm.Methods:The data of 95 patients with lower pole kidney stones with a diameter <1.5 cm treated in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from June 2017 to October 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. According to different surgical methods, the patients were divided into RIRS group and mini-PCNL group. There were 51 cases in RIRS group and 44 cases in mini-PCNL group. There was no significant difference in age [(48.2±11.4) years vs. (46.4±14.1) years], body mass index [(21.9±2.4) kg/m 2 vs. (20.7±3.2) kg/m 2], gender [male/female: 37/14 vs. 24/20], stone CT [(746.42±164.24)HU vs. (858.62±148.72)HU], creatinine [(71.3±21.6)μmol/L vs. (63.5±20.3)μmol/L], stone location (left/right: 26/25 vs. 23/21), stone diameter [(10.5±2.1) mm vs. (12.5±2.4) mm], infundibulopelvic angle [(43.32±9.42) degrees vs. (43.82±10.34) degrees], infundibular length [(24.92±4.85)mm vs. (24.37±5.26)mm] and infundibular [(9.26±3.04)mm vs.(9.46±2.94)mm] between the two groups ( P>0.05). The operation time, stone-free rate, hospital stay and postoperative complications between the two groups were compared. Results:Compared with the mini-PCNL group, the RIRS group had significantly smaller decrease in postoperative hemoglobin [(1.53±0.92) g/L vs. (4.54±2.46) g/L, P<0.05], the postoperative hospital stay was shorter [(2.52±0.94) d vs. (4.51±1.25)d, P<0.05], and postoperative visual analogue score was lower [(2.43±0.92) vs. (3.24±0.76), P<0.05]. The operation time of the mini-PCNL group was shorter than that of the RIRS group [(42.32±13.28) min vs. (54.24±14.43)min, P<0.05]. There was no significant difference in postoperative complications [5.9% (3/51) vs. 11.4% (5/44), P>0.05], postoperative cveatinine [(71.3±21.6) μmol/L vs. (63.5±20.3) μmol/L, P>0.05], postoperative intestinal function recovery time [(25.46±10.28)h vs. (32.43±9.25)h, P>0.05] and stone-free rate [92.2% (47/51) vs. 97.7% (43/ 44), P>0.05] between the two groups. Conclusions:Both RIRS and mini-PCNL are effective and safe minimally invasive treatments for lower pole kidney stones with a diameter < 1.5 cm. RIRS has shorter operation time, less blood loss, lower pain score and faster postoperative recovery.

Supine Endoscopically-Combined Intrarenal Surgery (ECIRS) for encrusted ureteral stent with staghorn calculi, ureterolithiasis and cystolithiasis

@#A forgotten and encrusted ureteral stent poses as a management dilemma especially when the encrustations are so severe that they involve the entire length of the ureteral stent. These can lead to staghorn formation, high volume ureterolithiasis and giant cystolithiasis which are all encasing the ureteral stent, This may lead to significant morbidity and mortality as a result of chronic urinary obstruction, recurrent urinary tract infection, and renal dysfunction and renal failure. During the acute phase of the pandemic, a 31-year-old pregnant female, with 9 weeks age of gestation, underwent insertion of an indwelling ureteral stent for an obstructing renal pelvic calculus. She was lost to follow-up only to return two years later, with right flank and lower abdominal pains. Non-contrast CT showed encasement of the ureteral stent with a staghorn calculus on the proximal coil, extensive encrustations on the upper and middle segments, and a giant cystolithiasis at the distal coil of the ureteral stent. She underwent a supine endoscopically-combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS), allowing retrograde retrieval of the ureteral stent after all the encrustations had been removed. There was minimal blood loss and no intraoperative and postoperative complications.Encrusted ureteral stents with large stone burden may be treated effectively and safely with an endoscopically-combined intrarenal surgery. This combined antegrade and retrograde approaches to the urinary tract allows synchronous treatment of all calcifications around the forgotten ureteral stent, without resorting to open surgery.

A retrospective study on retrograde Intra-renal Surgery with versus without the use of Ureteral Access Sheaths in patients with Nephrolithiasis

INTRODUCTION@#Placement of ureteral access sheath (UAS) prior to retrograde intra-renal surgery (RIRS) is done to provide easier re- entries, shorter operation time and better vision. However, some studies have associated the placement of UAS to increased morbidity and complications.@*OBJECTIVE@#The study aimed to compare outcomes of patients with nephrolithiasis who underwent RIRS with versus without placement of UAS.@*METHODS@#This is a retrospective cohort study among patients with nephrolithiasis who underwent RIRS with or without placement of UAS. The authors analyzed a total of 52 patients who underwent RIRS, 22 without, and 30 with UAS. Comparison of patients’ clinical profile, duration of post-operative hospital stay and the difference of their frequency were determined using Independent Sample T-test, Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher’s Exact test, respectively. STATA 15.0 was used for data analysis.@*RESULTS@#The two groups were similar in terms of clinical profile and operative outcomes. In terms of complications, there was one patient who had a failed surgery in the UAS group. Bleeding was reported in both groups. One-fourth of the patients had abdominal/bladder cramps and 13% had fever. Stone-free rate was 94% at 1 month and 92% at 3 months post-op. Readmission within 3 months was seen in four patients (8%) and retreatment was done on three patients (6%).@*CONCLUSION@#There is no significant difference in placing UAS or not prior to RIRS in terms of clinical profile and operative outcomes. Safety measures should be observed to prevent any bleeding and ureteral injuries during placement of UAS intra-operatively.

Efficacy of ultra-mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy and retrograde intrarenal surgery in the treatment of 2-3 cm lower calyceal stones / Eficacia de la nefrolitotomía percutánea ultramini y la cirugía intrarrenal retrógrada en el tratamiento de cálculos caliceales inferiores de 2-3 cm

Abstract We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of ultra-mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (UMP) and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for the management of lower calyceal stones. A group of 136 patients with a single lower calyceal stone (2-3 cm in diameter) was divided into the UMP or RIRS groups. The average operation time in the RIRS group was significantly longer than that in the UMP group, and the intraoperative blood loss in the former was markedly less than that in the latter. Besides, in the RIRS group, the decreased value of postoperative Hb was obviously lower, the postoperative hospital stay was evidently shorter, and the total hospitalization expenses were markedly less than those in UMP group were. Moreover, the success rate of the first-stage lithotripsy in the UMP group was notably higher than that in RIRS group. The RIRS group had an obviously lower VAS score but a markedly higher BCS score than the UMP group six hours after surgery. At 24 h after operation, the levels of serum CRP, TNF-α and IL -6 in patients in both groups were remarkably increased, and they were evidently lower in the RIRS group than those in the UMP group were. Three days after surgery, the levels of serum CRP, TNF-α and IL -6 were notably lower in the UMP group than those in RIRS group were. RIRS and UMP are safe and effective in the treatment of 2-3 cm lower calyceal stones. The first-stage UMP is characterized by a high stone-free rate (SFR), short operation time and low postoperative infection risk, while RIRS is associated with less blood loss and low total expenses.

Resumen Nuestro objetivo fue comparar la eficacia y seguridad de la nefrolitotomía percutánea ultramini (UMP) y la cirugía intrarrenal retrógrada (CRIR) en el manejo quirúrgico de los cálculos caliceales inferiores. Un grupo de 136 pacientes con un solo cálculo calicial inferior (2-3 cm de diámetro) se dividió en un grupo UMP o un grupo CRIR. El tiempo de operación promedio en el grupo CRIR fue significativamente más largo que en el grupo UMP, y la pérdida de sangre intraoperatoria en el primero fue marcadamente menor que en el segundo. Además, en el grupo CRIR, el valor disminuido de la Hb postoperatoria fue obviamente menor, la estancia hospitalaria postoperatoria fue evidentemente más corta y los gastos totales de hospitalización fueron notablemente menores que los del grupo UMP. Además, la tasa de éxito de la litotricia de primera etapa en el grupo UMP fue notablemente más alta que en el grupo CRIR. El grupo CRIR tuvo una puntuación VAS obviamente más baja pero una puntuación BCS marcadamente más alta que el grupo UMP a seos horas después de la operación. A las 24 h después de la operación, los niveles séricos de PCR, TNF-α e IL -6 en los pacientes de ambos grupos aumentaron notablemente y fueron evidentemente más bajos en el grupo CRIR que en el grupo UMP. Tres días después de la operación, los niveles séricos de PCR, TNF-α e IL -6 fueron notablemente más bajos en el grupo UMP que en el grupo CRIR. Los procedimientos CRIR y el UMP son seguros y eficaces en el tratamiento de cálculos caliciales inferiores de 2-3 cm. El UMP de primera etapa se caracteriza por tener una tasa libre de cálculo (SFR) alta, un tiempo de operación corto y un riesgo de infección posoperatorio bajo, y el RIRS se caracteriza por una menor pérdida de sangre y gastos totales bajos.

Retrograde intrarenal surgery with holmium laser lithotripsy for the management of calyceal diverticular calculi / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of retrograde intrarenal surgery(RIRS) with holmium laser lithotripsy in the management of calyceal diverticular calculi.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on 56 patients with calyceal diverticular calculi admitted to Huashan Hospital of Fudan University from January 2017 to May 2020. The 56 cases included 25 males and 31 females. The average age was 37.4 (ranging 22-67) years. Calyceal diverticular stones were located in the upper pole of the kidney in 32 cases, middle pole in 16 case and lower pole in 8 cases, with 32 cases on the left side and 24 cases on the right side. Multiple stones occurred in 46 cases, and single stone in 10 cases. The mean diameter of stones was 11.5 (ranging 3.0-17.5)mm. All 56 patients had different degrees of lumbar pain and/or hematuria preoperatively. Among them, 17 patients received extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) with failure. Moreover, 9 cases suffered with urinary infection. All 56 patients with calyceal diverticular calculi underwent retrograde flexible ureterorenoscopic Ho: YAG laser lithotripsy under general anesthesia. The flexible ureterorenoscope was advanced into the kidney through the ureteral access sheath, looking for the cervical orifice of calyceal diverticulum. After finding renal diverticulum, holmium laser was used to incise and expand the neck or weak part of the diverticulum. The diverticular calculi were fragmented into particles less than 3 mm. Larger fragments were removed through a nitinol stone basket one by one. A F6 D-J stent was indwelled. The intraoperative conditions, postoperative complication rate and stone free rate were statistically analyzed.Results:The calyceal diverticular calculi in all 56 patients were discovered, and the diverticulum orifice were identified in 48 patients(85.7%). 53 of them underwent calyceal diverticular calculi fragmentation successfully. Lithotripsy failed in 3 cases, as the calculi were incarcerated in the lower pole calyceal diverticulum with a long narrow neck and the limitation of flexure at the end of the flexible ureteroscope. Two of them underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy instead due to the calculi located in the posterior calyx. In another one case, ESWL was performed as the calculi located in the anterior calyx. Of the 17 cases received unsuccessful ESWL, RIRS was successful in 16 cases (94.1%). The mean operative time was 68.1(ranging 37-105)min, and mean hospitalization was 1.8 (ranging 1-3)d. The complication rate was 15.1%(8/53). All of these complications were mild (Clavien Ⅰ-Ⅱ). No serious complications such as perforation of the renal pelvis and ureter or major bleeding were occurred. After mean postoperative follow-up of 6.3(ranging 3-12) months, the stone-free rate was 83.0% (44/53) after the first procedure. 7 cases with residual stones ≥4mm received a second procedure. Among them, 6 cases received flexible ureterorenoscopy and the other one received ESWL and external physical vibration lithecbole therapy. The stone-free rate and symptom remission rate was 92.5% (49/53) and 96.2% (51/53) respectively after the second procedure, and no recurrence of calyceal diverticular calculi was observed during the stage of fllow-up.Conclusions:RIRS with holmium laser lithotripsy in the treatment of calyceal diverticular calculi, using the body's natural cavities, is a minimally invasive, safe and efficient strategy with slight complications. RIRS with holmium laser lithotripsy is an optional treatment for calyceal diverticular calculi.

A novel robotic-assistant flexible ureteroscopy system: initial results from the in vitro study and the in vivo experience / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective:Objectives The aim of the study is to evaluate the mechanical performance, safety and efficacy of the novel robotic-assistant flexible ureteroscopy system (Ra-fURS) under in vitro and in vivo environments.Methods:Combing with commercial flexible ureteroscopes, the novel Ra-fURS was used for the in vitro test and animal model operation in October 2020. The study included three sections. ①Basic mechanical performance assessment: including endoscope motion control (dual deflection, axial rotation and forward/backward distance), reaction time and fiber regulation. ②Simulated surgery in ex-vivo 3D-printing renal collecting system model: including completion rate and time of calyxes exploration, directional movement and laser fragmentation [gypsum models (0.5×0.5×0.5 cm) were used to stimulate kidney stones]. ③Intrarenal surgeries in animal models (two 5-month female Yorkshire white pigs). In total, 32 surgeries was performed (8 surgeons × 2 pigs × 2 kidneys/pig). In vivo assessments were carried out including: ①consuming time for Ra-fURS installation and offloading; ②completion rate and time of calyxes exploration; ③comfort score (ranging from 0-10) as compared to the manual f-URS, which was corresponding to each Ra-fURS surgery. In simulated surgery and animal surgery sections, 8 surgeons were enrolled in the study (group A 4 without flexible ureteroscopy experience; group B: 4 highly experienced), and results were compared between two groups.Results:Under the Ra-fURS control, the flexible ureteroscope movement in three degrees of freedom (forward / backward: + 11 to -11 cm, axial rotation + 225°to -225°; active duel-flection: + 270°to -270°, as well as the laser fiber regulation + 2.5 to -2.5 cm). In simulated surgery tests, both groups achieved 100% completion rate of calyxes exploration, and there were no statistical differences in the time of the calyxes exploration between group A and group B (116.0±8.0)s vs.(110.3±15.4)s( P>0.05). Time-consumption for laser fragmentation of group B was shorter than that of group A (525.8±58.5)s vs. (780.5±141.2)s( P<0.01). In animal surgery, the installation time of Ra-fURS gradually shortened within the first 7 cases was(234.0±43.0)s, and became comparable in the later 8-32 cases was(149.3±8.0)s. The average uninstall time was (43.9 ±5.9)s and was relatively stable. There were 51 renal calyxes in two pigs. It was higher for the completion rate of calyxes exploration in group B than in group A [(95.5±9.1)% vs. (59.1±9.1)%, P<0.05], and the exploration time was also statistically variant between the two groups group A and group B[(274.8±34.6)s vs.(127.3±18.2)s, P<0.05]. For all the operators, the comfort scores were favorable to the Ra-fURS as compared to the manual f-URS (8.9±0.3 vs. 5.9±1.1, P<0.05). Conclusions:This preliminary study demonstrated that the novel Ra-fURS was capable of controlling flexible ureteroscope to perform retrograde intrarenal surgery and fragmenting stones with laser. Besides, other features, including easy installation, stable performance and comfortable manipulating environment, made it easy to use in clinical application.

Preliminary experience of flexible vacuum-assisted ureteral access sheath(FV-UAS) in retrograde intrarenal lithotripsy / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective:Objectives To introduce the preliminary experience of flexible vacuum-assisted ureteral access sheath(FV-UAS) in the treatment of upper urinary calculi in retrograde intrarenal lithotripsy(RIRS).Methods:The clinical data of 11 patients with upper urinary calculi who were treated in Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital from August to September 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 6 males and 5 females, with the mean age of 48 years (32-72 years), the mean size of stone of 15.5 mm (11-20mm), and the mean stone volume of 1 958 mm3 (1 108-4 036 mm3), including 1 case with upper ureteral calculi, 10 cases with renal calculi, and 2 cases with calculi in multiple renal calyces. Ureteral stents were placed in 2 cases preoperatively. There were 2 cases of grade Ⅱ hydronephrosis according to Grignon classification. All patients were treated by retrograde intrarenal lithotripsy, and the FV-UAS(F12/14) was used during the operation. FV-UAS can be passively bent(>90°) with the bending of the flexible ureteroscopy(f-URS), and connect vacuum suction devices. The method of placing the FV-UAS during the operation was the same as traditional ureteral access sheath. The FV-UAS should be as close to the target stone as possible by the f-URS during the operation. F6 ureteral stent was routinely indwelled for 2-4 weeks. The operation time, postoperative complications, and stone volume clearance rate were summarized and analyzed, and stone volume clearance rate was calculated as(1-residual stone volume/preoperative stone volume)×100%. The stone volume was obtained by CT 3-D reconstruction preoperatively and first day postoperatively.Results:All patients underwent RIRS successfully at the first stage, with the usage of FV-UAS(F12/14)during the operation. The mean operation time was 57.1 minutes(34-90 minutes), and the mean stone volume clearance rate was 98.9%(94.8%-100.0%)on the first day postoperatively. Seven cases reached 100.0% stone-free rate, and 4 cases presented residual calculi. The mean hemoglobin drop was 0.8 g/L, and 1 case presented vomiting without fever on the first day postoperatively. For the 4 cases with residual calculi, no residual stone was found by B-ultrasound when the ureteral stent was removed.Conclusions:Our preliminary study found that it is feasible and safe to use FV-UAS in RIRS, which can follow the f-URS to extend into the renal pelvis and renal calyces. Vacuum-assist can increase the probability of stone-free.

Safety and efficacy of retrograde intrarenal surgery and percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the treatment of incarcerated upper ureteral calculi / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective:To compare the clinical efficacy of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in the treatment of incarcerated upper ureteral calculi.Methods:The clinical data of 202 patients with incarcerated upper ureteral calculi treated in our hospital from January 2018 to April 2020 were analyzed retrospectively, including RIRS group treated with RIRS and PCNL group treated with PCNL.There was no significant difference in age [(54.40±11.17) years vs. (52.82±12.58) years], sex [male / female: 86/54 vs. 45/17], body mass index [24.0(21.0, 27.0)kg/m 2 vs. 23.5(20.8, 26.3)kg/m 2], creatinine [75.45 (61.6, 93.3) μmol/L vs. 73.70 (62.4, 93.0) μmol/L], stone stay time [1.0 (0.5, 3.8) months vs. 1.0 (0.5, 6.0) months], stone hardness [(783.60 ±243.55) HU vs. (960.66 ±225.01) HU], stone diameter [(8.65 ±2.95) mm vs. (960.66 ±225.01) mm], stone location (65/75 vs. 34/28), proportion of infection before operation (40/140 vs. 25/62) and history of ESWL treatment (35/140 vs. 13/62) between the two groups. The operation time, hospital stay, perioperative complication rate, hospitalization cost and stone clearance rate were compared between the two groups. The high risk factors of preoperative stone characteristics (stone diameter, stone hardness, previous lithotripsy history, stone incarceration time, degree of hydronephrosis, infection) were scored (yes = 1, no = 0). Cases of complex stones were defined as ≥ 3 points. Simple stone cases were defined as < 3 points. Group analysis was carried out according to the score of stones in order to determine the influence of the choice of surgical methods on the results of operation. Results:All 202 operations were successfully done, and there was no transfer to open surgery or other surgical methods. Compared with the RIRS group, the operation time of the PCNL group was significantly shorter [48.5 (32.0, 62.5) min vs. 63.0 (48.0, 86.0) min, P<0.05], and the stone removal rate was significantly increased [98.4% (61/62) vs. 72.10% (101/ 140), P<0.05], the treatment cost was lower [1.16 (0.80, 1.40) ten thousand yuan vs. 2.73 (2.14, 3.32) ten thousand yuan, P<0.05]. The length of hospital stay in the RIRS group was shorter than that in the PCNL group [3.0 (2.0, 4.0) days vs. 8.0 (6.0, 9.0) days, P<0.05)]. There was no statistical difference in postoperative complications between the two groups [10.7% (15/140)) vs. 12.9% (8/62), P>0.05]. A comparative analysis of high-risk factors affecting stone removal revealed that for simple stone cases, the operation time was lower in the PCNL group than that in RIRS group [50.0(30.0, 64.0)min vs. 62.0(44.5, 86.0)min, P<0.05], the cost was lower [1.18 (0.80, 1.35) ten thousand yuan vs. 2.69 (2.22, 3.32) ten thousand yuan, P<0.05], and the stone removal rate was higher [100% (35/35)vs.78.3% (94/120), P <0.05], but the hospital stay was longer [ 7.0(6.0, 9.0) days vs.3.0(2.0, 4.0) days, P<0.05]. For complex stone cases, the operation time [46.0 (39.0, 61.0) min vs. 65.5 (51.0, 89.8) min, P<0.05] and hospitalization expenses [1.21 (0.98, 1.43) ten thousand yuan vs. 2.73 (2.13, 2.73) ten thousand yuan, P<0.05] in PCNL group were still lower than that in RIRS group, and the stone removal rate [96.3% (26/27)vs. 35% (7/20) , P<0.05] was also significantly higher than the latter. Conclusions:For simple stone cases, PCNL has a higher stone clearance rate, shorter operation time, lower treatment cost, and longer hospital stay than RIRS. For complex stone cases, the PCNL group has a higher stone clearance rate, shorter operation time, lower cost than RIRS group, but the length of hospital stay is no longer statistically different. Therefore, PCNL is more advantageous for the treatment of complex incarcerated upper ureteral calculi.

Forgotten double J stent in crossed renal fused ectopia: a rare case report

Ureteral double J (DJ) sent has now become one of the most commonly used tools in endourology. Complications are bound to occur if forgotten to remove, such as encrustations, infection, migration, renal dysfunction, hydronephrosis. Crossed renal fused ectopia is a very rare congenital malformation due to abnormal kidney ascent with fusion during embryogenesis in the first trimester. we report a very rare case of forgotten DJ stent in crossed fused ectopia, in 66 years old diabetic patient post left ureterorenoscopy (URS) done 3 years back. Retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) was done for DJ stent removal right.

Endoscopic combined ultrasound-guided access vs. ultrasound-guided access in endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the outcomes of endoscopic combined ultrasound-guided access (EUGA) with the conventional ultrasound-guided access (UGA) to achieve percutaneous renal access in endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS).@*METHODS@#A retrospective review of 53 patients undergoing ECIRS to treat upper urinary tract calculi between January 2017 and October 2019 was con-ducted. All of the cases were of complex upper urinary tract stones larger than 2 cm in diameter. The com-plex stone situations, such as multiple renal calyces calculi or staghorn calculi necessitated ECIRS. Under general anesthesia, the patients were placed in the galdakao-modified supine valdivia (GMSV) position, thus allowing both antegrade and retrograde accesss. The patients were divided to UGA and EUGA groups according to the protocol of achieving percutaneous renal access. In 28 cases, endoscopic combined ultrasound-guided accesss were obtained. Puncture and dilation were performed under direct flexible ureteroscopic visualization, while percutaneous renal access of 25 cases were performed with the conventional technique employing ultrasound guidance. Demographic and perioperative information, such as stone burden, presence of hydronephrosis and number of calyces involved was compared. Primary outcomes included total operative time, renal access time, repeat puncture, hemoglobin level, perioperative complications, and stone-free rate.@*RESULTS@#No major intra-operative complication was recorded in all the 53 ECRIS. No significant difference was observed between the groups in age and gender. There was no significant difference in body mass index[BMI (29.21±3.14) kg/m2 vs.(28.53±2.56) kg/m2], stone burden (37.68±6.89) mm vs. (35.53±6.52) mm, number of calyces involved 2.72±0.68 vs. 2.86±0.71, presence of hydronephrosis (56.0% vs. 46.4%), total operative time (93.0±12.2) min vs. (96.8±14.2) min, hemoglobin level reduction (6.56±2.16) g/L vs. 97.54±2.64) g/L, stone-free rate (92.0% vs. 92.8%), hospital stay (5.52±0.59) d vs. (5.64±0.62) d, perioperative complication rate (8.0% vs. 7.2%). Two patients in EUGA group experienced perioperative complications (one urinary tract infection and one hematuria) while two patients in UGA group experienced perioperative urinary tract infection. None in both groups received blood transfusion. The patients undergoing EUGA had shorter renal access time [(4.0±0.7) min vs. (6.8±2.6) min, P < 0.01] and less repeat puncture (0 vs. 4 cases, P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#EUGA is an optimal technique to establish percutaneous renal access in ECIRS, which minimizes access time and repeated procedures.

Is a safety guidewire needed for retrograde ureteroscopy? / Fio guia de segurança é necessário na ureteroscopia?

Summary Introduction: It is generally advised to have a safety guidewire (SGW) present during ureteroscopy (URS) to manage possible complications. However, it increases the strenght needed to insert and retract the endoscope during the procedure, and, currently, there is a lack of solid data supporting the need for SGW in all procedures. We reviewed the literature about SGW utilization during URS. Method: A review of the literature was conducted through April 2017 using PubMed, Ovid, and The Cochrane Library databases to identify relevant studies. The primary outcome was to report stone-free rates, feasibility, contraindications to and complications of performing intrarenal retrograde flexible and semi-rigid URS without the use of a SGW. Results: Six studies were identified and selected for this review, and overall they included 1,886 patients where either semi-rigid or flexible URS was performed without the use of a SGW for the treatment of urinary calculi disease. Only one study reported stone-free rates with or without SGW at 77.1 and 85.9%, respectively (p=0.001). None of the studies showed increased rates of complications in the absence of SGW and one of them showed more post-endoscopic ureteral stenosis whenever SGW was routinely used. All studies recommended utilization of SGW in complicated cases, such as ureteral stones associated with significant edema, ureteral stricture, abnormal anatomy or difficult visualization. Conclusion: Our review showed a lack of relevant data supporting the use of SGW during retrograde URS. A well-designed prospective randomized trial is in order.

Resumo Introdução: O uso de fio guia de segurança (FGS) costuma ser recomendado para a realização de ureteroscopia para prevenir e solucionar complicações durante o procedimento. Seu uso, porém, aumenta a força necessária para manipular o aparelho endoscópico dentro da luz ureteral e, atualmente, existe uma carência de dados consistentes que indiquem o uso do FGS em todos os procedimentos. Método: Uma revisão da literatura foi realizada em abril de 2017 utilizando as ferramentas PubMed, Ovid e The Cochrane Library para identificar estudos relevantes. O desfecho primário da análise foi reportar taxas de resolução dos cálculos, viabilidade, contraindicações e complicações relacionadas ao não uso do FGS. Resultados: Seis estudos foram incluídos na análise, totalizando 1.886 pacientes, nos quais foi realizada ureteroscopia semirrígida ou flexível sem o uso do FGS no tratamento de cálculos renais ou ureterais. Somente um estudo relatou taxa livre de cálculos com ou sem FGS, sendo 77,1 e 85,9%, respectivamente (p=0.001). Todos os estudos mostraram não haver aumento da taxa de complicação na ausência do FGS e um deles relatou aumento de estenose ureteral pós-endoscopia no grupo que utilizou o FGS. Todos os estudos recomendam o uso do FGS em casos complicados, como cálculos ureterais associados a edema de mucosa, estenose ureteral, anomalias anatômicas ou dificuldade de visualização do cálculo. Conclusão: Nossa revisão mostrou que faltam dados relevantes para justificar o uso do FGS durante a ureteroscopia.

Intraparenchymal hematoma as a late complication of retrograde intrarenal surgery

ABSTRACT A 34 year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with left flank pain. A non-contrast enhanced computerized tomography (NCCT) revealed a 1.5x2cm left proximal ureter stone. Patient was scheduled for ureterorenoscopy (URS) and stone removal. She was submitted to retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). At the postoperative 1st day, the patient began to suffer from left flank pain. A NCCT was taken, which revealed a subcapsular hematoma and perirenal fluid. The patient was managed conservatively with intravenous fluid, antibiotic and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy and was discharged at the postoperative 6th day. Two weeks after the discharge the patient was admitted to emergency department with severe left flank pain, palpitation and malaise. KUB (kidney-ureter-bladder) radiography showed double-J stent (DJS) to be repositioned to the proximal ureter. Patient was evaluated with contrast enhanced CT which revealed an 8cm intraparenchymal hematoma/abscess in the middle part of the kidney. A percutaneous drainage catheter was inserted into the collection. The percutaneous drainage catheter and the DJS were removed at the 10th day of second hospitalization. RIRS surgery is an effective and feasible choice for renal stones with high success and acceptable complication rates. However, clinician should be alert to possible complications.

Impact of retrograde flexible ureteroscopy and intracorporeal lithotripsy on kidney functional outcomes

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate renal function and to identify factors associated with renal function deterioration after retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for kidney stones. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients with renal stones treated by RIRS between January 2010 and June 2013 at a single institute. We used the National Kidney Foundation classification of chronic kidney disease (CKD) to classify Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) in 5 groups. The baseline creatinine level was systematically pre-operatively and post-operatively evaluated. All patients had a creatinine blood measurement in June 2013. A change toward a less or a more favorable GFR group following RIRS was considered significant. Results: We included 163 patients. There were 86 males (52.8%) and 77 females (47.3%) with a mean age of 52.8±17 years. After a mean follow-up of 15.5±11.5 months, median GFR was not significantly changed from 84.3±26.2 to 84.9±24.5 mL/min (p=0.675). Significant renal function deterioration occurred in 8 cases (4.9%) and significant renal function amelioration occurred in 23 cases (14.1%). In univariate analysis, multiple procedures (p=0.023; HR: 5.4) and preoperative CKD (p=0.011; HR: 6.8) were associated with decreased renal function. In multivariate analysis these factors did not remain as predictive factors. Conclusion: Stone management with RIRS seems to have favorable outcomes on kidney function; however, special attention should be given to patients with multiple procedures and preoperative chronic kidney disease.

Treatment of complex renal stones in solitary kidneys under percutaneous nephrolithotomy combined with retrograde intrarenal surgery / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and advantages of the technique by combined PCNL and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) in a second stage to treat the complex renal stones in solitary kidney cases.Methods PCNL most with a single 18-24 F tract was performed first and RIRS was carried out at a second stage in solitary kidneys of 21 patients,of which congenital in 14.3％ (3 cases),contralateral nephrectomy in 42.8％ (9 cases),and functional solitry kidneys in 42.8％ (9 cases).Of the 21 patients,the average age was 45 years with 15 males and 6 females.The stones were 8 multiple,6 partial staghorn,and 7 complete staghorn with a mean size of 4.6 (3.8-6.8) cm.Results Of the 21 PCNL cases,a single tract,double,triple tracts were established in 18 (85.7％),2 (9.5％),1 (4.8％) cases,respectively.Mean operation time of PCNL was 95 (45-175) min.After 1 day of PCNL,all case had residual stones with a mean size of 1.9 (1.0-3.5) cm.Two case occurred fever after PCNL and one case presented bleeding resolved by selective renal artery embolization.The mean operation time of RIRS was 72 (35-95) min.Stone-free rate after RIRS was 85.7％ (18/21).The final stone free rate increased to 95.2％ (20/21) after one case received a second-look PCNL and two cases accepted ESWL.Two cases occurred fever and steinstrasses after RIRS resolved by rigid ureteroscopy.At the 3 months follow-up,renal function became stable,improved and worse in 71.4％ (n=15),23.8％ (n=5),and 4.8％ (n=l) of patients.Conclusions PCNL combined with RIRS could be an effective and safe option for complex stones in solitary kidneys with less bleeding,reduced tracts,minor complications and good renal function preservation.