A case report of sepsis associated coagulopathy after percutaneous nephrostomy.

BACKGROUND: Hemorrhage is a common complication of nephrostomy and percutaneous nephrolithotripsy, and it is caused by surgical factors. Here we report a rare case of hemorrhage caused by sepsis-related coagulation dysfunction. CASE PRESENTATION: A 72-years-old male patient with bilateral ureteral calculi accompanied by hydronephrosis and renal insufficiency developed sepsis and hemorrhage on the third day after bilateral nephrostomy. After vascular injury was excluded by DSA, the hemorrhage was considered to be sepsis-associated coagulopathy(SAC/SIC), finally the patient recovered well after active symptomatic treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with sepsis and hemorrhage, SAC/SIC cannot be excluded even if coagulation function is slightly abnormal after surgical factors are excluded. For urologists who may encounter similar cases in their general urology practice, it is important to be aware of these unusual causes of hemorrhage.

Comparison of Efficacy Between Prone Split-leg Position and Traditional Prone Position Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy for Upper Urinary Tract Stones / 中国微创外科杂志

Objective To explore the application effect of prone split-leg position in percutaneous nephrolithotomy(PCNL).Methods A total of 79 patients with upper urinary tract stones who underwent surgery in our department from July 2021 to July 2022 were selected.According to the surgical position,the patients were divided into prone split-leg position group(n =35)and traditional prone position group(n =44).The two groups were compared regarding operation time,intraoperative blood loss,postoperative and preoperative hemoglobin changes,postoperative complications,one-stage stone free rate,and duration of hospitalization.Results The prone split-leg position group had significantly shorter operative time and higher one-stage stone free rate than those in the traditional prone position group[(69.6±20.7)min vs.(90.5±35.3)min,t =-3.280,P =0.002;97.1%(34/35)vs.79.5%(35/44),χ2 =3.984,P =0.037].There were 1 case of infection,3 cases of fever,and 1 case of bleeding in the prone split-leg position group,while 4 cases of postoperative fever and 2 cases of bleeding in the traditional prone position group,without significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups(χ2 =0.000,P =1.000).There were no statistical differences in intraoperative blood loss,number of working channel,hemoglobin changes,and duration of hospitalization(P>0.05).Conclusion Prone split-leg position PCNL can shorten the operation time,improve the one-stage stone free rate,and will not increase the risk of postoperative complications,with good safety and effectiveness.

The predictive value of serum MMP-9 and sTREM-1 in postoperative urinary tract infection in patients with ureteral calculi / 国际检验医学杂志

Objective To investigate the predictive value of serum matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9)and soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1(sTREM-1)in postoperative urinary tract infec-tion(UTI)in patients with ureteral calculi.Methods Among the ureteral calculi patients admitted to the De-partment of Urology in a hospital from October 2021 to October 2022,68 patients with postoperative UTI(UTI group)and 68 patients without UTI(non-UTI group)were selected as the study objects.Serum MMP-9 and sTREM-1 levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Spearman method was used to analyze the correlation between serum MMP-9 and sTREM-1 levels and clinical data in UTI group,and the predictive value of serum MMP-9 and sTREM-1 levels in postoperative UTI in ureteral calculi patients was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic curve.The influencing factors of postoperative UTI in ureter-al calculi patients were analyzed by multivariate Logistic regression.Results Compared with non-UTI group,serum MMP-9 and sTREM-1 levels in UTI group were significantly increased,with statistical significance(P＜0.05).Correlation analysis showed that serum MMP-9 and sTREM-1 levels were positively correlated in UTI group(r=0.585,P＜0.001).The combined prediction of the area under the curve(AUC)for postopera-tive UTI in ureteral calculi patients was 0.961(95％CI:0.934-0.988).The sensitivity and specificity were 73.36％and 85.68％,respectively.The AUC predicted by MMP-9 and sTREM-1 was higher than that predic-ted by MMP-9 and STREM-1 alone(Z=25.420,P＜0.001;Z=21.531,P＜0.001).The levels of MMP-9 and sTREM-1 were the influencing factors of postoperative UTI in ureteral calculi patients(P＜0.05).Conclusion The serum levels of MMP-9 and sTREM-1 in postoperative UTI in ureteral calculi patients are increased,and the detec-tion of both levels has important predictive value for the occurrence of postoperative UTI in ureteral calculi patients.

A case of urinary calculus in a patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Introduction: Treatment of urinary tract calculi in patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a connective tissue disorder, has rarely been reported. Case presentation: A 33-year-old woman with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome sought evaluation of right-sided abdominal pain from her family physician. Right-sided hydronephrosis was noted and she was referred to our hospital for further evaluation and treatment. A ureteral calculus with a maximum diameter of 8 mm was demonstrated at the right ureterovesical junction. Transurethral lithotripsy was performed under general anesthesia without complications. Conclusion: Lithotripsy may be safely performed in patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Using vacuum-assisted ureteral access sheath in the treatment of complex steinstrasse.

Steinstrasse is an iatrogenic condition resulting from upper urinary tract lithotripsy. Uncomplicated steinstrasse can be managed expectantly. Complex steinstrasse can pose a therapeutic challenge. The vacuum-assisted ureteral access sheath (vaUAS) is similar to a conventional ureteral access sheath but has a side branch that can be connected to vacuum apparatus. This device seemed to be useful in the management of complex steinstrasse. 35 patients with complex steinstrasse, defined as steinstrasse containing ≥ 4 stones or with an aggregate length of ≥ 1.5 cm, were treated in four tertiary medical centers using the vaUAS in this prospective and non-randomized study. The vaUAS was inserted into the ureter over a guidewire until the tip of the vaUAS was in contact with the lowermost stone fragment. A 7 Fr./8.4 Fr. semirigid ureteroscope and a holmium laser were used to pulverize the obstructing stone. All the stone fragments were aspirated either in the space between the scope and the sheath, or through the channel of the sheath by withdrawing the scope to the proximal of the aspiration port. All patients were steinstrasse-free at end of the procedure, as assessed visually and by KUB. At the 3-month follow-up, 94.3% of patients were stone-free with or without a supplementary procedure. There were no perioperative complications. Five patients experienced postoperative fever and/or significant hematuria, and one patient had transient sepsis, a grade I and IV Clavien complication, respectively. vaUAS can be an effective adjunctive device in the management of complex steinstrasse.

Stone Occlusion Device with Drainage Function Is Effective in Ureteral Calculi Treatment: A Preliminary Report.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy and safety of ureterolithotripsy (URS) in treating ureteral calculi with holmium-YAG laser through adding retropulsion prevention and drainage function to ureteral catheter. METHODS: An inner wire was fixed at the top of an Fr5 ureteral catheter and run through a tee joint. The proximal catheter was split into 4 strips. When the wire was pulled, the strips become arcuate, thus trapping the stone. The end of the tee branch was connected to the suction evacuation. Continuous irrigation and negative pressure suction were delivered after the strips passed the stones. Eighty-two consecutive patients with solitary ureteral stones underwent URS with the new device. RESULTS: Seventy-eight patients had no observed stone retropulsion with successful insertion of the device. Four patients failed URS owing to the stone retropulsion and excessive kink of the ureter, which was followed by flexible ureteroscopy. Patient with successful insertion of the device had an immediate stone-free rate of 88.5% and 100% in a 1-month follow-up. Complications included one fever and one minor ureteral perforation. CONCLUSION: This new device has a low stone migration and minor complications and improves visual field with a negative pressure suction. Future studies are needed to evaluate it in randomized trials.

A prospective evaluation of patient-reported outcomes during follow-up of ureteral stones managed with medical expulsive treatment (MET).

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) for ureteral stones predominantly assess the pain. Despite the lack of evidence, multiple trials studying the efficacy of medical expulsive therapy (MET) have used PROs to define spontaneous stone passage (SSP). We aim to objectively evaluate the accuracy of PROs to predict successful SSP and the probability of patient's symptom resolution after stone passage. A single-center, prospective observational study recruiting adults with isolated, uncomplicated, ≤ 10 mm ureteral calculus was conducted. All patients received 4 weeks of MET, and SSP was confirmed by low-dose non-contrast-enhanced computed tomography (NCCT). The accuracy of PROs: "pain cessation," "decreased pain," "stone seen," and "stone capture" to predict successful SSP were evaluated in 1 month. The patient's symptom resolution rate was assessed at 1 and 4-month follow-ups. A total of 171 patients were included, and the overall SSP rate was 66.4% (n = 99). Patient-reported pain cessation, stone visualization, and stone capture were associated with successful SSP, but their accuracy was 59, 53, and 43%, respectively. Moreover, 25% of patients reporting complete pain cessation still harbored ureteral calculus. Pain resolved in 91% of patients after SSP at a 4-month follow-up. While hematuria and nausea resolved in all patients, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) were not resolved in 17% of patients. We concluded that patient-reported pain cessation, stone visualization, and stone capture predict successful SSP, but confirmatory imaging is required due to the poor accuracy of these measures. The significant rates of non-pain-related symptoms indicate their significant contribution to patient morbidity. Clinical Trial Registration: Registered in Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI), Registration number: CTRI/2020/10/028777 (29th October 2020).

Distal ureteral calculi in a patient with ileal conduit and urinary diversion treated via antegrade ureteroscopic lithotripsy: A case report.

Ureteral calculi management in patients with urinary diversion is challenging for most urologists. The surgeon should consider the patient's diversion type, BMI, stone size and location, and his/her experience with the procedure. We report an 85-year-old ileal conduit diversion man presented with ureteral calculi and treated via antegrade ureteroscopic lithotripsy.

Management of pediatric ureterolithiasis in the emergency room: A single institution review and new management pathway.

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND: Urolithiasis is an increasingly common condition seen in children with an annual incidence of 2-3% in children under 18, and up to 10% in adolescents. Treatment of stones varies including observation, IV hydration, pain management, medical expulsive therapy (MET), or surgery. Though well-studied and often used in adults, MET (alpha-adrenergic antagonists to facilitate passage of ureteral stones), is not routinely prescribed in pediatric patients. OBJECTIVE: The goals of this study were to review a quaternary children's hospital's emergency room frequency of MET utilization for ureterolithiasis as well as evaluate the clinical outcomes of children who were prescribed MET compared to those treated with pain control alone. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review was performed of children 2 months to 18 years with ureterolithiasis who presented to a quaternary children's hospital ED from 2011 to 2017. The primary outcome was the frequency of MET prescribed. Secondary outcomes included the following comparisons in patients who received MET and analgesics with those who received analgesics alone: hospital admission rate, length of hospitalization, emergency room re-presentation rate, surgical intervention, spontaneous stone passage, urology consultation, how the urology consult affected MET utilization, referral to outpatient urology and nephrology clinics, and CT utilization in the ED. Comparisons were performed utilizing Fischer's exact and t-tests. RESULTS: 139 patients were included with a mean age of 14 years (SD 4.14), 42% male. There was no difference between age, gender, stone size, return to the ED, serum creatinine, or length of hospitalization (if admitted) between patients who were and were not placed on MET. The rate of stone passage was significantly higher for those placed on MET (45%) versus not (20%) (p = 0.0022). Urology was consulted for 93% of the cases where children were prescribed MET, compared with only 52% of cases where MET was not prescribed (p = <0.0001). DISCUSSION: In our experience MET was significantly underutilized in patients where urology was not involved. This is similar to a study by Itano et al. which found urology consultation in the ED significantly increased use of tamsulosin for ureterolithiasis in adults. Children with ureterolithiasis placed on MET had a significantly higher rate of stone passage compared to children managed by pain control alone. CONCLUSION: Given the benefits of MET to increase the rate of spontaneous stone passage it may be considered first line therapy for treatment of children with ureterolithiasis.

Double-J stent placement during laparoscopic ureterolithotomy: the "seagull" technique.

OBJECTIVE: To present a new technique of double-j stent (DJ) placement during laparoscopic transperitoneal ureterolithotomy (LUL). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Following the extraction of the stone, a 6 French DJ open-end stent is prepared: two straight-tip hydrophilic guidewires are inserted into the appropriate lateral holes of the stent, as identified by the preoperative evaluation of the CT scan. Approximately 5 centimeters of each wire protrude from the proximal and distal ends of the stent to straighten its terminal curl, thus resembling the wings of a flying seagull. The remaining proximal portions of both guide wires are left within each guidewire dispenser. The two ends of the stent are grasped together in a U-fashion and inserted into the abdomen through a 10mm port. Once in the abdomen, the longer segment of the stent is inserted and pushed into the ureterotomy until it reaches the target site. The guide wire is then removed. The same procedure is repeated for the other end of the stent. A brief literature review on the currents techniques of laparoscopic DJ placement is also presented. RESULTS: Analyzing the outcomes of 21 LUL, the "seagull" technique is time-saving and safe. No perioperative complications were encountered. There is no risk of enlarging or tearing the ureterotomy and no need for patient replacement, extra cystoscopic or ureteroscopic procedures as well as of using modified guidewires and closed-tip stents. CONCLUSION: We described our step-by-step technique for DJ placement during LUL.

Combination of transurethral resection of the prostate and flexible and rigid ureteroscopy for benign prostatic hyperplasia and ureteral calculus.

BACKGROUND: Combination of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and flexible and rigid ureteroscopy (URS/RIRS) is a successful approach for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and ureteral calculus (UC), and the sequence is URS/RIRS followed by TURP. This research aims to compare TURP followed by URS/RIRS with URS/RIRS followed by TURP in terms of clinical efficiency and safety. METHODS: From June 2009 to June 2021, 173 patients with BPH and upper urinary tract stones were recruited through the Harrison International Peace Hospital and were divided into intervention (TURP followed by URS/RIRS) and control groups (URS/RIRS followed by TURP). We collected demographic data, primary outcomes including urinary function, and secondary outcomes including surgical parameters and complications. SPSS 21.0 was used to analyze data. RESULTS: When comparing the surgical parameters, the intervention group showed better results than the control group regarding surgery time and length of hospitalization. When comparing urinary function and complications, there were no differences between the intervention and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: Although the intervention of TURP followed by URS/RIRS had similar clinical effects compared with URS/RIRS followed by TURP in the control group; the intervention saves surgery time, and decreases the length of stay and medical costs. It may therefore be a good choice for patients with BPH and UC.

Comparison of ureteroscopy (URS) complementary treatment after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy failure with primary URS lithotripsy with holmium laser treatment for proximal ureteral stones larger than10mm.

BACKGROUND: To compare ureteroscopy (URS) complementary treatment following extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) failure with primary URS lithotripsy for proximal ureteral stones > 10 mm, and try to find out acceptable number of SWL sessions followed by safe URS. METHODS: This was a retrospective study following approval from Medical Ethics Committee of People's Hospital of Chongqing Banan District. Patients (n = 340) who received URS in our hospital for stones > 10 mm from Jan 2015 to June 2020 were divided into two groups according to their previous SWL history. Group 1 consisted of 160 patients that underwent unsuccessful SWL before URS. Group 2 encompassed 180 patients without SWL before URS. Patient's operative outcomes were compared. A logistic regression and receiver operator characteristics (ROC) were used to identify the acceptable number of SWL sessions prior to URS, regarding the intra-operative complications of URS. RESULTS: The group 1 required more surgery time (41.38 ± 11.39 min vs. 36.43 ± 13.36 min, p = 0.01). At the same time, more intra-operative (68.1% VS 22.8%, p < 0.05) and post-operative (35% VS 18.0%, p = 0.001) complications occurred in group 1. Need more hospital stay in group 1 (2.7 ± 1.2 days vs 1.6 ± 1.1 days, p < 0.05). More patients in group 1 need further URS (16.3% VS 8.9%, p = 0.029). After second URS, the SFR of URS in two groups was insignificant differences (82.5% VS 88.9%, p > 0.05). The median (25-75%) of SWL sessions before URS was 2 (1-3) in group 1. According to the results of logistic regression analysis, patients suffered more SWL failure have an increased risk of complications during URS (OR = 1.995, 95% CI: 1.636-2.434). ROC showed that the optimal number of SWL session followed by URS were 0.5, with a sensitivity of 67.7% and specificity of 71.5%. Intra-operative complication rates of URS treatment were higher in patients who suffered > 1 SWL failure (72.6% vs 57.4%, p = 0.047). CONCLUSION: There was no acceptable number of SWL sessions that could be followed by URS with fewer intra-operative complications. Patients who underwent previous SWL were likely to suffer more intra-operative complications, the average operating time, hospitalization time, and needing further treatment, during URS treatment for proximal ureteral stones larger than 10 mm.

Outcomes of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for ureteral stones according to ESWL intensity.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the treatment outcomes of ureteral stones according to energy intensity generated by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 150 patients who underwent ESWL for treatment of ureteral stones between September 2018 and February 2020. All stones were confirmed by a computed tomography examination, and the size, location, skin-to-stone distance, and Hounsfield units (HU) of the stones were assessed. In addition, patient characteristics including body mass index and estimated glomerular filtration rate, which can affect treatment outcome, were also evaluated. The success or failure of ESWL was confirmed according to the session, and the factors affecting the treatment outcome were analyzed using a logistic regression model. RESULTS: Of the 150 patients, 82 (54.7%) had stones in the proximal ureter, 5 (3.3%) in the mid, and 63 (42.0%) in the distal ureter. Patients underwent ESWL an average of 1.5 times, and the success rate according to session was 65.3% for the first, 83.3% for the second, and 90.0% for the third session. A multivariate analysis revealed that stone size [odds ratio (OR) 0.81, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.66-0.99, P=0.049] and HU (OR 0.99, 95% CI, 0.98-0.99, P=0.001) were significant factors affecting the success rate after the first ESWL session; ESWL intensity was not related to success rate. Stone size (OR 0.78, 95% CI, 0.62-0.96, P=0.022) was the only significant factor affecting the success rate in the third session. CONCLUSIONS: Stone size and HU affected the ESWL success rate. ESWL intensity was not significantly related to the success rate, so it should be adjusted according to patient pain and the degree of stone fragmentation.

Stone extraction with loop ureteral catheter versus ureteroscopy in small distal ureteral stones-retrospective comparison of 547 consecutive patients.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate whether stone extraction with a loop ureteral catheter (LUC) in distal ureteral stones is associated with a higher frequency of ureteral strictures compared to treatment with primary ureteroscopic stone removal (p-URS) or ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy (l-URS). METHODS: Five hundred and forty-seven consecutive patients were primarily endourologically treated for distal ureteral stones in our department between 2005 and 2019 and included in the study protocol. Data was retrospectively obtained from the patients' charts and medical reports as well as from office-based urologists. Data analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney test or Student's t-test as appropriate. A level of P<0.05 was assigned statistical significance. RESULTS: Four hundred and twelve patients were treated by URS (p-URS n=304, l-URS n=108) and another 135 by LUC stone extraction. Median follow-up was 41 [2-159] months. There was no difference between the groups concerning age, gender, proportion of patients with ureteral stenting, operating time, hospitalization or readmission rates. The number of ureteric strictures was small in all procedures [n=3 (1.0%) in p-URS, n=2 (1.9%) in l-URS and n=2 (1.5%) in LUC] and there was no difference between the groups concerning this serious complication (p-URS vs. LUC: P=0.6465; l-URS vs. LUC: P=0.9999). CONCLUSIONS: In small distal stones, LUC stone extraction still is an alternative to URS procedures in stone management with comparable results concerning postinterventional ureteral strictures. In experienced hands, it still has its value in accurately selected patients.

Ureteral calculi secondary to a gradually migrated acupuncture needle.

We herein presented a case of calculi secondary to a migrated acupuncture needle. A 74-year-old woman with a history of acupuncture therapy for lumbago was referred to our hospital for treatment of ureteral and renal pelvic calculi. Abdominal multi-detector computed tomography scans showed ipsilateral hydronephrosis and two calculi secondary to a migrated acupuncture needle. First, a percutaneous nephrolithotomy was performed to extract two calculi and fine needle fragments from the pelvis. Subsequently, residual needle fragments and calculi in the ureter were then removed by flexible transurethral lithotripsy using a holmium laser. In the present case, the formation of the calculi was caused by a migrated acupuncture needle. Calculi and needle fragments were removed safely endoscopically because the whole calculi and needle fragments were located in the ureteral lumen.

Moderate Hydronephrosis among Acute Ureteral Calculus on Ultrasonographic Imaging in a Tertiary Care Center in Nepal: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Ureteric calculi are lying at any point of ureter from the pelvic ureteric junction to the vesicoureteral junction. If left untreated, ureteropelvic junction obstruction can lead to hydronephrosis. With the improved availability of computed tomography and ultrasound scanning, hydronephrosis is being diagnosed more frequently. The main aim of this study is to find out the prevalence of moderate Hydronephrosis among ureteral calculus on ultrasonography imaging in a tertiary care center of Nepal. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 110 acute ureteral calculus cases at Radiodiagnosis and Imaging Department of Chitwan Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Bharatpur from 15th August 2020 to 15th May 2021. The ethical approval was taken from the Institutional Review Committee of same institution. Convenient sampling technique was used to select the participant. The collected data was entered in excel 16 and analysed in Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was done and frequency and percentage were calculated. RESULTS: Out of the 110 cases of acute ureteral calculus, 31 (28.2%) (19.79-36.60 at 95% Confidence Interval) has moderate hydronephrosis in the ultrasonographic imaging. The mean age of participants was 31.61±8.51 years and male to female ratio was 1.97:1. Vesicoureteric junction was the most common site for ureteric calculus 39 (35.5%). CONCLUSIONS: The ultrasound is an easy method to be applied, and a fast one to help and diagnose obstructive hydronephrosis. The main causes of hydronephrosis are kidney stones, followed by ureteral stones, with a moderate degree of hydronephrosis.

A case report of peritoneal tuberculosis diagnosed by laparoscopy in a low prevalence setting.

Peritoneal tuberculosis is a rare extrapulmonary manifestation of tuberculosis. Considering the diagnosis of peritoneal tuberculosis in a low prevalence setting can be vital for further clinical management in selected patients. In a young male with migration background, presenting with generalised abdominal pain, computed tomography revealed ascites, omental and peritoneal thickening and enlarged mesentery lymph nodes. Computed tomography also revealed a distal ureteral calculus at the right vesico-ureteral junction. Diagnostic laparoscopy showed a nodular degeneration of the visceral and parietal peritoneum and adhesions in the upper peritoneal cavity. Tissue biopsy of peritoneal lesions and omentum was performed. Histological examination revealed granulomas with central caseating necrosis. The ureteral stone was removed by means of ureteroscopy. Prompt diagnosis of peritoneal TB made possible to start anti-tuberculous chemotherapy without significant delay. The low prevalence of peritoneal TB demands a high index of suspicion in patients at risk presenting with nonspecific abdominal complaints, ascites and constitutional symptoms. Diagnostic laparoscopy leads to a quick diagnosis by direct visualisation of the peritoneal cavity and tissue biopsy. When available, it is the diagnostic procedure of choice to confirm tuberculous peritonitis. The concomitant presentation of tuberculous peritonitis and ureteral calculus can be explained by hypercalciuria in granulomatous disease.

Efficacy of Paishi decoction in treatment of ureteral calculi / 上海预防医学

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of Paishi decoction in ureteral calculi treatment. Methods:Ureteral calculi patients were voluntarily divided into two groups in Shanghai Baoshan Traditional Chinese Medicine-Integrated Hospital. Patients in the control group received anti-inflammatory symptomatic treatment for 2 weeks， and patients in the treatment group received anti-inflammatory symptomatic treatment combined with Paishi decoction for 2 weeks. Results:There was no significant difference between the two groups in gender， age， body weight and stone size. Compared with the control group， after taking Paishi decoction for 2 weeks， the urinary oxalic acid and calcium in the treatment group decreased significantly， and the urine citric acid increased （P<0.05）. The difference in clinical effective rate was significant between the two groups （P<0.05）. Conclusion:Paishi decoction is superior to single anti-inflammatory symptomatic treatment in the treatment of ureteral calculi， which reflects the advantages of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine. However， the number of patients included in this study was limited， further studies are in need to verify the result.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy and retroperitoneal laparoscopy in treatment of retrocaval ureter with right renal and ureteral calculi: a case report.

Retrocaval ureter is a rare disease associated with abnormal embryonic development. Here, we describe a patient who exhibited retrocaval ureter complicated by renal and ureteral calculi, which were treated by percutaneous nephrolithotomy combined with retroperitoneal laparoscopy. A 64-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of intermittent back pain that had been present for more than 10 years. During hospitalization, he was diagnosed with retrocaval ureter, right renal calculi, and right ureteral calculi with right hydronephrosis; he underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy combined with retroperitoneal laparoscopic surgery. After the operation, his condition was stable and he exhibited good recovery. Our findings in this case suggest that percutaneous nephrolithotomy combined with retroperitoneal laparoscopy is a suitable option for the treatment of retrocaval ureter with renal and ureteral calculi.

The real cause of right lower abdominal pain: an analysis of ultrasonographic findings.

A pelvic accessory spleen is uncommon and most patients with this condition are asymptomatic. Ureteral calculus is a common disease and can cause acute abdominal pain. We report a 51-year-old male patient who presented at our hospital with acute right lower abdominal pain and gross hematuria. A large mass on the right side of the pelvis was detected on an ultrasound examination, as well as a calculus in the lower segment of the right ureter. Computed tomography angiography showed the presence of a long vascular pedicle with an artery originating from the splenic artery and a vein that joined with the splenic vein. Laparoscopy was carried out and it showed a solid mass covered with omentum on the right lower abdomen. The mass was then removed surgically. Histopathological examination of the resected specimens confirmed splenic tissue. We speculate that the accessory spleen and ureteral calculus caused right lower abdominal pain in our case. However, the ureteral calculus might have played a much more important role in causing acute right lower abdominal pain than the accessory spleen.