Patient Counseling Through the Pelvicalyceal-shaped Labyrinth: In Search of an Easy Understanding of the Upcoming Stone Removal: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of a mobile application (app) displaying a visualization of the internal anatomy of the pelvicalyceal systemPCS and of kidney stones on patient understanding of their affected kidney anatomy and their upcoming percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PCNL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One-hundred patients who required PCNL were included in this study, and all patients were nonrandomly distributed into 2 groups: counseled using only 3D-reconstructed computed tomography (CT) images (group 1) or using only the "InsKid" app (group 2). Patient data were obtained from CT scans as Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine format and converted into stereolithography (STL) format. All patients completed the questionnaire after counseling, and the results were compared between groups. RESULTS: Patients from group 2 better understood the anatomy of their affected kidney by 53%; awareness regarding their stone location was better by 32%; the steps of planned surgery, as well as possible complications, were more transparent for patients using the app by 24% and 56%, respectively. The number of patients who were dissatisfied with the mobile counseling dropped by 70%. The average duration of consultation with the 3D reconstruction of CT images was 10.9 ± 0.6 min, while counseling using our program reliably led to a reduction in this duration (7.3 ± 0.5 min). CONCLUSION: The InsKid app is a freely available, easy-to-use educational software that improves patient counseling without considerable financial expense or long waiting periods for use.

Evaluation and Comparison of Metabolic Disorders between Patients with Unilateral and Bilateral Staghorn Renal Stones.

PURPOSE: Metabolic disorders are common in patients with staghorn renal stones. Aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the metabolic disorders in patients with unilateral and bilateral staghorn stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross sectional study, 78 patients who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for staghorn renal stones were included. The urine volume, the level of calcium, oxalate, uric acid, phos-phate, sodium, citrate, creatinine, and cystine from 24 hour urine collection as well as the serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), parathyroid hormone (PTH) and uric acid were recorded and compared among the two groups with unilateral and bilateral renal stones. RESULTS: 56 patients (71.8%) had unilateral and 22 (28.2%) had bilateral renal stones. At least one abnormal meta-bolic factor was found in 32 (57.1%) and 15 (68.2%) patients with unilateral and bilateral renal stones, respectively (P = .044). Cystine urine levels and serum levels of BUN were higher in cases with bilateral compared to unilateral renal stones (36.4% vs. 12.5%, P = .025 and 27.3% vs. 1.8%, P = .002, respectively). CONCLUSION: Metabolic factors are strongly correlated with the formation of staghorn renal stones specially bilat-eral ones. In our study among different metabolic factors, cystine urine levels and serum levels of BUN were sig-nificantly higher in patients with bilateral renal stones. Proper metabolic assessments are recommended in patients with staghorn urolithiasis.

A Gastric Duplication Cyst Initially Mimicking Staghorn Calculus.

Gastric duplication cyst is an uncommon anomaly typically found in the greater curvature of the stomach. It is usually diagnosed in children and quite difficult to diagnose in adult because of variable presentation. We present a 76-year woman who was admitted for abdominal pain of few weeks' duration. Her X-ray showed calcification in the region of left kidney, and she was subsequently managed with a presumptive diagnosis of staghorn calculus. Computerized Tomography (CT) scan of her abdomen disclosed calcification in the gastric wall for which an endoscopic ultrasound and biopsy was done. Findings were consistent with the presence of gastric epithelium and a diagnosis of gastric duplication cyst was made. Surgery was the continuation of care. The presence of symptomatic gastric cyst in an elderly patient is very rare. This is the first case in which gastric duplication cyst mimicked staghorn calculus on abdominal X-ray. Consequently, this diagnosis, though rare, should be considered in the differentials of upper abdominal pain.

No stone unturned: The presence of kidney stones in a skeleton from 19th century Peoria, Illinois.

During the excavation of the 19th century Peoria City Cemetery (Peoria, Illinois), a skeleton of a female, aged 20-30 years old, was found with large, bilateral calcified masses in the abdominal region. The masses were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and the results compared to published clinical data in an effort to determine the etiology of the stones. The calcified masses were determined to be staghorn struvite uroliths, which commonly result from chronic urinary tract infection and likely impacted the overall health of this individual.

External validation and comparison of the scoring systems (S.T.O.N.E, GUY, CROES, S-ReSC) for predicting percutaneous nephrolithotomy outcomes for staghorn stones: A single center experience with 160 cases.

The aim of this study was validation and comparison of stone scoring systems (S.T.O.N.E, GUY, CROES, S-ReSC) used to predict postoperative stone-free status and complications after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for staghorn stones. A total of 160 patients who had staghorn renal stones and underwent PCNL between January 2012 and August 2015 were included in the current retrospective study. Guy, S.T.O.N.E., S-ReSC (Seoul National University Renal Stone Complexity) and CROES (Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society) nephrolithometry scores were calculated for each patient, and their potential association with stone-free status, operative and fluoroscopy time, and length of hospital stay (LOS) were evaluated. Postoperative complications were graded according to the modified Clavien classification, and the correlation of scoring systems with postoperative complications was also investigated. The mean CROES, S.T.O.N.E, Guy and S-ReSC scores were 143.5 ± 33.6, 9.7 ± 1.6, 3.5 ± 0.5 and 6.2 ± 2.0 respectively. The overall stone-free rate was 59%. All scoring systems were significantly correlated with stone-free status in univariate analysis. However, Guy and S-ReSC scores were the only significant independent predictor in multivariate analysis. And all four nomograms failed to predict complication rates. Current study demonstrated that Guy and S-ReSC scoring systems could effectively predict postoperative stone-free status for staghorn stones. However all four scoring systems failed to predict complication rates.

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy: Advantages and limitations.

PURPOSE: The use of ultrasound in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has not been shown to translate to better clinical and stone outcomes. To compare the operative outcomes, postoperative outcomes and complication rates of ultrasound-guided access PCNL (USGA-PCNL) versus fluoroscopy-guided access PCNL (FGA-PCNL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 184 consecutive patients who underwent PCNL from July 2008 to September 2014 were identified from our PCNL database. Seventy-two patients underwent USGA-PCNL and 112 FGA-PCNL. RESULTS: The patients were similar in age, sex, race, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification, mean largest stone diameters, side of PCNL, number of stones and the degree of hydronephrosis between both groups. There were higher rates of upper pole (5.6% vs. 3.6%), mid pole (8.3% vs. 2.7%) and multiple pole punctures (4.2% vs. 0%) in USGA-PCNL compared to FGA-PCNL (p=0.027). There was no difference in the stone free rates of both groups in univariate analysis. Those who had FGA-PCNL were 2.26 (95% confidence interval, 1.09-4.75; p=0.029) times more likely to require a second-look procedure compared to USGA-PCNL on univariate analysis but not on multivariate analysis. There were no differences in Clavien-Dindo complications. No patient in the USGA-PCNL group experienced organ injuries during puncture compared to 1 patient in the FGA-PCNL group who had pneumothorax requiring urgent chest tube insertion. CONCLUSIONS: The use of ultrasonography to guide access puncture during PCNL eliminates the risk of inadvertent organ injuries. Similar operative and stone outcomes show that the learning curve for USGA is minimal compared to conventional FGA.

Efficacy of Medical Expulsive Therapy in Renal Calculi Less than or Equal to 5 Millimetres in Size.

PURPOSE: Natural history and modality of treatment for asymptomatic renal calculi less than or equal to 5 millimetres in size is still unknown. Many options are available ranging from medical expulsive therapy to minimally invasive surgery. Till date no study has focussed on this very common but asymptomatic issue. Hence, this study is undertaken to evaluate efficacy of medical expulsive therapy in renal calculi less than or equal to 5mm in size. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, parallel group, randomized study was carried out from 1st June 2014 to 31st May 2015, with total of 100 patients, 50 patients in each group. Patients with renal stones less than or equal to 5mm were included in the study. Group A Patients were administered medical expulsive therapy which included  tamsulosin 0.4 mg daily at night time, furosemide 20mg, spironolactone 50mg in a single morning dose, and syrup potassium magnesium citrate 20Meq per dose three times a day for 12 weeks while group B patients were given placebo. The primary outcome variable was number of patients achieving clearance of stone during 12-week treatment period in both groups. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences in age, gender, stone size, and calyceal stone location was found between the two treatment arms. A spontaneous stone expulsion rate of 50% (at 6 weeks) and 86 %( at 12 weeks) was noted in group A versus 28% (at 6 weeks) and 38 % (at 12 weeks) in group B. Less number of pain episodes and less analgesic medication was required in group A as compared to group B. CONCLUSION: Medical Expulsive therapy for 12 weeks significantly improves stone free rates in renal calyceal calculi less than or equal to 5mm.

Prognostic Impact of Stone-Scoring Systems After Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy for Staghorn Calculi: A Single Center's Experience Over 10 Years.

INTRODUCTION: To investigate the prognostic factors associated with stone-free rate (SFR) and complications after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for the treatment of staghorn stone and to compare the predictive value and accuracy of three stone-scoring systems for the treatment success of staghorn stone. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing PCNL at our center from June 2003 to June 2014. On the basis of noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) scan images, we calculated Guy's score, S.T.O.N.E. nephrolithometry, and Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society (CROES) nomogram to assess the association with stone-free status and complications. For statistical evaluation, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used. RESULTS: During the study period, 886 cases had medical records available. Cases who underwent PCNL for the treatment of staghorn calculi accounted for 34.4% (305/886 cases). Preoperative NCCT was performed in 217 cases. The 217 procedures (205 patients, 12 simultaneous bilateral PCNLs) had a mean stone size of 1358.3 ± 760.7 mm(2), with 111 (51.2%) partial staghorn and 106 (48.8%) complete staghorn stones. The initial and overall SFRs of PCNL were 53.9% and 70.1%, respectively. The overall complication rate was 32.7% (71/217 cases). On a multivariate logistic regression analysis, independent predictors for SFR were number of involved calices, S.T.O.N.E. nephrolithometry, and pre-existent urinary tract infection (UTI) (odds ratios [ORs] = 1.311, 1.933, and 2.340, respectively). Stone burden was an independent risk factor for the development of complications on multivariate analysis (OR = 2.846 and p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that multiple involved calices, high grades of S.T.O.N.E. nephrolithometry, and pre-existent UTIs were associated with lower SFR after PCNL for staghorn calculi. Stone burden was an independent risk factor for the development of complications.

The management of large staghorn renal stones by percutaneous versus laparoscopic versus open nephrolithotomy: a comparative analysis of clinical efficacy and functional outcome.

The objective of this study was to analyze the outcome of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), laparoscopic and open anatrophic nephrolithotomy (AN) for management of patients with large staghorn renal stones. We analyzed the peri-operative parameters, overall treatment costs and changes in the function of the affected kidney on technetium-99 dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scintigraphy, done before the operation and before the final follow-up visit, in 45 adults who underwent PCNL (n = 16) versus laparoscopic (n = 15) versus open (n = 14) AN for large staghorn renal stones. All three groups had statistically similar preoperative characteristics, including the function of the operated kidney on renal scan. On the discharge day, the PCNL group had the lowest stone-free rate (43.75 %) compared to the laparoscopic (80 %) and open AN groups (92.85 %) (P = 0.009). After a mean follow-up period of 12.1 months, the decrease in the function of the operated kidney was greatest in the open AN group (-8.66 ± 4.97) compared to the laparoscopic AN (-6.04 ± 6.52) and PCNL group (-2.12 ± 2.77) (P = 0.003). The need for ancillary procedures to manage residual stones was greatest in the PCNL group and lowest in the open AN group. A similar trend was seen in overall treatment costs (P < 0.001). For management of large staghorn renal stones, the more invasive the procedure, the higher the one-session stone-free rate and the lower the need for ancillary procedures; however, greater renal functional loss can be anticipated. The need for ancillary procedures is a major determining factor in the overall cost of treatment, which was highest in the PCNL group.

Giant staghorn common bile duct calculus.

Background - Stones in common bile duct are defined as 'large' if they are more than 15 mm in size. There are very few reports which describe a giant stone measuring 5 cm or more and exceptionally a staghorn calculus in the common bile duct. Purpose - The purpose is to report a new rare case of giant staghorn gallstone and discuss the diagnostic approach and therapeutic possibilities. Case report - We report a case of a giant staghorn common bile duct calculus in a 65-year-old patient. Its removal required 2 operations and an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with endoscopic sphincterotomy. Conclusion - Lithiasis of the common bile duct is considered to be a benign, but may sometimes be complicated and time-consuming. Staghorn calculi are very rare in the biliary tract. We found only two published reports of staghorn common bile duct calculi.