Tubeless mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy versus retrograde intrarenal surgery for lower calyceal stones of ⩽2 cm: A prospective randomised controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety, efficacy, and stone-free rate (SFR) of mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mini-PCNL) and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for the management of lower calyceal stones of ⩽2 cm, and to determine the advantages and disadvantages of each. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 120 patients with lower calyceal stones of ⩽2 cm were randomly divided into two equal groups: Group A were managed by mini-PCNL and Group B by RIRS using flexible ureteroscopy and laser. The mean age, sex, stone size, operating time, complications, hospital stay, and SFR were compared between the groups. The success of the procedure was defined as the absence of residual stones or small residuals of ⩽0.2 cm on computed tomography at 12 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: Both groups were comparable for preoperative parameters. The mean (SD) operating time was statistically significantly longer in Group B [109.66 (20.75) min] as compared to Group A [71.66 (10.36) min]. Although the hospital stay was longer in Group A as compared to Group B this was not statistically significant (P = 0.244). The SFR for Group A was 92.72% and for Group B it was 84.31%, which was not significantly different (P = 0.060). CONCLUSION: For treating lower calyceal stones of ⩽2 cm mini-PCNL and RIRS are comparable. Mini-PCNL had a better SFR than RIRS but the hospital stay was longer and there were more intraoperative complications, whilst, RIRS had a significantly longer operating time compared with mini-PCNL and a higher incidence of postoperative fever, and a lower SFR.

Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate Versus Bipolar Resection of the Prostate: A Prospective Randomized Study. "Pros and Cons".

OBJECTIVE: To compare the safety, efficacy, and applicability of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) and bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate (TURPb) procedures, whereas the secondary objective is to find out the advantages and disadvantages of each. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective randomized study included 120 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia that required intervention. The patients were randomized in 2 equal groups: group A managed by HoLEP and group B managed by TURPb. The mean age, International Prostate Symptom Score, maximum urine flow, residual urine, operative time, blood loss, resected volume, catheterization time, hospital stay, and costs were compared. RESULTS: Both groups were comparable regarding the preoperative parameters. The mean operative time was statistically significantly longer in the HoLEP group. The drop in the hemoglobin level was statistically significantly in group B. The mean resected prostatic volume was 61.167 g in the HoLEP group and 58.8 g in the TURPb group. The catheter was removed after 24 hours in 51 and 36 patients in groups A and B, respectively. The International Prostate Symptom Score at 1 and 12 months and the maximum urine flow at 12 months postoperatively were found to be better in the HoLEP group than in the bipolar group, and this difference was found to be statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Although the HoLEP technique is associated with a relatively longer operative time, it has proved to be effective in treating large prostates with minimal morbidity, better hemostasis, less blood loss, and better voiding pattern than TURPb after a 12-month follow-up.

Effect of multiple access tracts during percutaneous nephrolithotomy on renal function: evaluation of risk factors for renal function deterioration.

PURPOSE: To assess the impact of multiple access tracts during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) on short- and midterm renal function, and to determine risk factors predicting renal function deterioration and/or recoverability. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing PCNL with multiple punctures were prospectively enrolled. Preoperative evaluation included dimercaptosuccinic acid and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid renography. Patients were classified according to baseline renal function into patients with normal (<1.4 mg/dL) serum creatinine (group A) and patients with elevated (≥1.4 mg/dL) serum creatinine (group B). Patients were followed with serial serum creatinine evaluations and a repeated renography at 12 months. Factors evaluated for possible impact on renal function changes included preoperative renal function, number of access tracts, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. RESULTS: There were 102 patients 21 to 65 (mean 39.9) years who completed the study. Fifty patients (group A) had normal preoperative serum creatinine levels and glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which showed no statistically significant change 12 months after PCNL. Fifty-two patients had baseline renal impairment (group B), and they experienced statistically significant worsening of the serum creatinine level and GFR at 12 months postoperatively (P<0.001). Ten (19.23%) patients in group B had a significant deterioration of GFR more than 25%. Independent risk factors for this poor outcome were elevated (≥1.4 mg/dL) preoperative serum creatinine level, diabetes, and hypertension. CONCLUSION: PCNL with multiple tracts carries a risk of adversely affecting renal function. Preoperative baseline renal impairment, diabetes, and hypertension are risk factors for significant renal function deterioration after the procedure.