Incidence of urinary tract infections in patients with permanent percutaneous nephrostomy after implementation of a standardized care program.

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous nephrostomy tubes (PNT), which are used in some cancer hospitals, are associated with an increase in urinary tract infections (UTI). OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of a standardized care program on the incidence of UTIs requiring hospitalization (UTI-RH). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study that included patients with a first PNT inserted. The incidence, relative risk (RR), costs and outcomes of patients with UTI-RH were compared during the period before (P0) vs. after the intervention (P1). RESULTS: 113 PNTs were inserted during P0, and 74 at P1. During P0, 61 patients (53.9%) experienced 64 UTI-RH events in 22,557 PNT days. At P1, four patients (5.4%) had a UTI-RH in 6,548 PNT days (IRR: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.05-0.57). The RR was 0.09 (95% CI: 0.03-0.25). Monthly cost per day/bed was USD 3,823 at P0 and USD 1,076 at P1, and for antibiotics, it was USD 790 at P0 and USD 123.5 at P1. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the importance of a standardized care program for permanent percutaneous devices, since this reduces antibiotic use, hospitalization, and the cost of care.

ANTECEDENTES: Los catéteres de nefrostomía percutánea (CNP) que se utilizan en algunos hospitales oncológicos condicionan un incremento en las infecciones del tracto urinario (ITU). OBJETIVO: Determinar el impacto de un programa estandarizado de atención en la incidencia de ITU que requiere hospitalización (ITU-RH). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo que incluyó pacientes con un primer CNP. Se comparó la incidencia, riesgo relativo (RR), costos y evolución de los pacientes con ITU-RH durante el período previo a la intervención (P0) versus posterior a ella (P1). RESULTADOS: Se instalaron 113 CNP durante P0 y 74 durante P1. Durante P0, 61 pacientes (53.9 %) presentaron 64 episodios de ITU-RH, en 22 557 días de uso de CNP. Durante P1, cuatro pacientes (5.4%) cursaron con ITU-RH en el transcurso de 6548 días de uso del CNP (razón de tasa de incidencia de 0.21, IC 95 % = 0.05-0.57). El RR fue de 0.09 (IC 95 % = 0.03-0.25). El costo mensual por día-cama fue de 3823 USD en P0 y de 1076 USD en P1; el de los antibióticos, de 790 USD en P0 y 123.5 USD en P1. CONCLUSIONES: Este estudio resalta la importancia de un programa estandarizado del cuidado de los dispositivos permanentes, el cual disminuye el uso de antibióticos, la hospitalización y el costo de la atención.

Incidencia de infección de vías urinarias con catéter de nefrostomía percutánea posterior a la implementación de un programa estandarizado de cuidados / Incidence of urinary tract infections in patients with permanent percutaneous nephrostomy after implementation of a standardized care program

Resumen Antecedentes: Los catéteres de nefrostomía percutánea (CNP) que se utilizan en algunos hospitales oncológicos condicionan un incremento en las infecciones del tracto urinario (ITU). Objetivo: Determinar el impacto de un programa estandarizado de atención en la incidencia de ITU que requiere hospitalización (ITU-RH). Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo que incluyó pacientes con un primer CNP. Se comparó la incidencia, riesgo relativo (RR), costos y evolución de los pacientes con ITU-RH durante el período previo a la intervención (P0) versus posterior a ella (P1). Resultados: Se instalaron 113 CNP durante P0 y 74 durante P1. Durante P0, 61 pacientes (53.9 %) presentaron 64 episodios de ITU-RH, en 22 557 días de uso de CNP. Durante P1, cuatro pacientes (5.4%) cursaron con ITU-RH en el transcurso de 6548 días de uso del CNP (razón de tasa de incidencia de 0.21, IC 95 % = 0.05-0.57). El RR fue de 0.09 (IC 95 % = 0.03-0.25). El costo mensual por día-cama fue de 3823 USD en P0 y de 1076 USD en P1; el de los antibióticos, de 790 USD en P0 y 123.5 USD en P1. Conclusiones: Este estudio resalta la importancia de un programa estandarizado del cuidado de los dispositivos permanentes, el cual disminuye el uso de antibióticos, la hospitalización y el costo de la atención.

Abstract Background: Percutaneous nephrostomy tubes (PNT), which are used in some cancer hospitals, are associated with an increase in the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTI). Objective: To determine the impact of a standardized care program on the incidence of UTI requiring hospitalization (UTI-RH). Material and methods: Retrospective study that included patients with a first PNT inserted. The incidence, relative risk (RR), costs and outcomes of patients with UTI-RH were compared during the period before (P0) vs. after the intervention (P1). Results: 113 PNCs were inserted during P0, and 74 at P1. During P0, 61 patients (53.9%) experienced 64 UTI-RH events in 22,557 PNT days. At P1, four patients (5.4%) had a UTI-RH in 6,548 PNT days (IRR: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.05-0.57). The RR was 0.09 (95% CI: 0.03-0.25). Monthly cost per day/bed was USD 3,823 at P0 and USD 1,076 at P1, and for antibiotics, it was USD 790 at P0 and USD 123.5 at P1. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of a standardized care program for permanent percutaneous devices, since this reduces antibiotic use, hospitalization, and the cost of care.

Emphysematous pyelonephritis after urinary diversion by percutaneous nephrostomy in patient with advanced cervical cancer: A case report.

Emphysematous pyelonephritis is a severe kidney infection that is common in women and patients with diabetes mellitus, but rare in cancer patients. A 64-year-old patient with advanced uterine cervical cancer developed emphysematous pyelonephritis after urine diversion by percutaneous nephrostomy of the left kidney, which is a possible approach to this infection. Antibiotic therapy was started to achieve clinical improvement and preserve renal function, and radical nephrectomy was not an option due to the functional exclusion of the contralateral kidney. The patient progressed with worsening renal function; thus, she started outpatient hemodialysis, with improvement of the uremic encephalopathy. She died 7.7 months after admission, 1 month after treatment for emphysematous pyelonephritis. Treatment should be adjusted to the patients' needs, including maintenance of hemodialysis to improve symptoms. Further investigation is needed to identify possible causes and prevent emphysematous pyelonephritis in cancer patients.

Previously unseen 80L giant hydronephrosis.

Here we describe the case of a patient who was referred to our institution with an immense abdominal volume of unknown origin. The patient was unable to stand up and therefore was bedridden. A giant hydronephrotic kidney was diagnosed and total volume of urine removed was 80L. Nephrectomy was uneventful and, despite his acquired thoracic and abdominal deformities, he was able to recover completely. This is the largest reported hydroneprosis in the literature.

Quality of life, pain and anxiety in patients with nephrostomy tubes / Qualidade de vida, dor e ansiedade em pacientes com sondas de nefrostomia / Calidad de vida, dolor y ansiedad en pacientes con sondas de nefrostomía

Objective: to evaluate the impact on the quality of life as well as anxiety and pain in patients with nephrostomy tubes. Method: this is a longitudinal descriptive study performed on a sample of n=150 patients. To evaluate the quality of life, the EuroQol-5D questionnaire was used; anxiety was quantified by the Beck Anxiety Inventory; to study pain, a visual analogue scale was employed. Results: statistically significant differences were found in the quality of life, with its worsening (r = 0.51; p <0.01) when evaluated at the first tube replacement. Patients presented mild to moderate anxiety before the procedure, which was reduced at the first tube replacement, although this difference was not significant (r = 0.028, p = 0.393). Finally, the degree of pain was also significantly reduced (r = 0.13, p<0.01) after six weeks. As for gender, women presented the worst values ​​in the three variables studied (worse quality of life and greater anxiety and pain). Conclusions: nephrostomy tubes have a negative impact on the patient's quality of life. During the time they live with these tubes, patients have mild to moderate pain and anxiety.

Objetivo: avaliar o impacto na qualidade de vida, bem como a ansiedade e dor em pacientes com sondas de nefrostomia. Método: estudo descritivo longitudinal realizado em uma amostra de n=150 pacientes. Para avaliar a qualidade de vida, utilizou-se o questionário EuroQol-5D; a ansiedade foi quantificada pelo Inventário de Ansiedade de Beck; para estudar a dor, foi utilizada uma escala visual analógica. Resultados: foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas na qualidade de vida, com sua piora (r = 0,51; p <0,01) quando avaliada na primeira troca da sonda. Os pacientes apresentaram ansiedade leve a moderada antes do procedimento, que foi reduzida na primeira troca da sonda, embora esta diferença não tenha sido significativa (r = 0,028; p = 0,393). Finalmente, o grau de dor também foi significativamente reduzido (r = 0,13; p<0,01) após seis semanas. Quanto ao sexo, as mulheres apresentaram os piores valores nas três variáveis ​​estudadas (pior qualidade de vida e maior ansiedade e dor). Conclusões: Sondas de nefrostomia têm um impacto negativo na qualidade de vida do paciente. Durante o tempo que convivem com estas sondas, os pacientes têm dor e ansiedade leve a moderada.

Objetivo: valorar el impacto en la calidad de vida, así como la ansiedad y el dolor que presentan los pacientes portadores de sondas de nefrostomía. Método: estudio descriptivo longitudinal que se llevó a cabo sobre una muestra de n=150 pacientes. Para valorar la calidad de vida se empleó el cuestionario EuroQol-5D; la ansiedad fue cuantificada mediante el Inventario de Ansiedad de Beck; para estudiar el dolor se empleó una escala visual analógica. Resultados: encontramos diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la calidad de vida, produciéndose su empeoramiento (r=0.51; p<0.01) cuando fue valorada en el primer cambio de sonda. Los pacientes presentaron una ansiedad leve a moderada previa al procedimiento, que se vio reducida en el primer cambio de sonda, si bien esta diferencia no resultó significativa (r=0.028; p=0.393). Por último, el grado de dolor también se vio disminuido de forma significativa (r=0.13; p<0.01) al cabo de seis semanas. Por sexos, las mujeres presentaron peores valores en las tres variables estudiadas (peor calidad de vida, y mayor ansiedad y dolor). Conclusiones: las sondas de nefrostomía suponen un impacto negativo en la calidad de vida del paciente. Durante el tiempo que conviven con dichas sondas, los pacientes presentan dolor y ansiedad leve a moderada.

Cervical cancer: Renal complications and survival after percutaneous nephrostomy / Câncer de colo uterino: complicações renais e sobrevida após nefrostomia percutânea

SUMMARY Introduction: Obstructive nephropathy is a frequent complication in the course of advanced cervical cancer (CC), and ultrasonography-guided percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) is a well established technique for fast ureteral desobstruction. Objective: To identify possible factors related to the survival and quality of life of patients with advanced CC presenting acute urinary obstructive complications that after desobstruction by PCN recovered urinary flux and renal function. Method: This is an analytical, descriptive, cross-sectional study that included 45 patients with CC who underwent PCN and were divided into 2 groups: “death” (DG) and “survival” (SG), in a public hospital that is reference for oncologic diseases in Northern Brazil. Results: The mean serum creatinine of the patients preceding PCN was >10 mg/dL, and after PCN <2 mg/dL. The cutoffs of 8.7 g/dL for Hb (p=0.0241) and 27% for Ht (p=0.0065) indicated the values that better discriminate the outcomes of the groups. The presence of low blood pressure was statistically correlated (p=0.0037) to the outcome “death”. Changes in glomerular filtration rate (already reduced in all cases) were not associated to the levels of Hb/Ht or to the outcome “death” during the nephrological follow-up. Conclusion: PCN was responsible for the recovery of renal function in 61.7% of the patients, leading to interruption of renal replacement therapy (RRT) in all of those patients. Hb levels >8.7g/dL and Ht >27% were associated to longer survival, and the presence of low blood pressure during follow-up was associated with progression to death.

RESUMO Introdução: a nefropatia obstrutiva é complicação frequente na evolução do câncer do colo uterino (CCU) avançado e a nefrostomia percutânea guiada por ultrassonografia (NFT) é uma técnica bem estabelecida para a rápida desobstrução ureteral. Objetivo: esclarecer os fatores relacionados à evolução ou não para óbito e qualidade de vida das pacientes com CCU avançado com complicações obstrutivas urinárias agudas e que, após desobstrução pela NFT, recuperaram fluxo urinário e função renal. Método: foi realizado estudo transversal analítico descritivo, que avaliou dois grupos de pacientes com CCU submetidas à NFT [óbito (GO) e sobrevida (GS)], em um hospital público, referência para doenças oncológicas da região Norte do país. Resultados: a creatinina sérica média inicial era >10 mg/dL pré-NFT e tornou-se <2 mg/dL após. Quanto à sobrevida, os pontos de corte de 8,7 g/dL de Hb e 27% de Ht melhor discriminaram a evolução dos grupos GO e GS (p=0,0241 e p=0,0065). Hipotensão se associou significantemente (p=0,0037) com a evolução para óbito. Variações na taxa de filtração glomerular, que já era reduzida em todos os casos, não se associaram aos níveis de Hb/Ht ou à evolução para óbito durante seguimento nefrológico. Conclusão: a NFT permitiu a recuperação da função renal em 61,7% das pacientes com CCU, dispensando terapia de substituição renal. Níveis de Hb >8,7 g/dL e Ht >27% estiveram associados a maior sobrevida, e a hipotensão durante o seguimento associou-se com evolução para óbito.

Hemostatic agents for access tract in tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy: Is it worth?

INTRODUCTION: The role of hemostatic agents as an adjunct for closure of the nephrostomy tract in tubeless percutaneous surgery (tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy [tPNL]) has been previously evaluated, observing a potential benefit in terms of reduced bleeding and urinary leakage. We assessed the rate of postoperative complications after the use of hemostatic agents for sealing the nephrostomy tract in patients undergoing tPNL at our institution. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 52 consecutive patients undergoing tPNL at our center between January 2010 and December 2013. No substance was placed within the tract in 25 patients (Group 1). A cylinder of Surgicel(®) in addition to 1 unit of Gelita(®) were placed within the access tract in 27 patients (Group 2). We accounted for demographic variables, stone size, operative time, postoperative pain, development of hematoma, postoperative hematocrit drop, urinary leakage, residual lithiasis, and hospital stay length. RESULTS: Age and sex differed significantly between the two groups (P = 0.0002 and P = 0.048 respectively). However, there were no significant differences in terms of body mass index and stone burden. No significant differences between groups were found with regards to operative time, postoperative hematocrit drop, postoperative pain and presence of residual lithiasis. CONCLUSION: The use of Gelita(®) and Surgicel(®) as hemostatic agents in tPNL is safe, but we were not able to demonstrate any significant benefit in terms of postoperative morbidity after comparing the use of these agents in tPNL. We concluded that the uses of hemostatic agents needed to be evaluated in prospective randomized trials to define its benefits.

A prognostic model for survival after palliative urinary diversion for malignant ureteric obstruction: a prospective study of 208 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with survival after palliative urinary diversion (UD) for patients with malignant ureteric obstruction (MUO) and create a risk-stratification model for treatment decisions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We prospectively collected clinical and laboratory data for patients who underwent palliative UD by ureteric stenting or percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) between 1 January 2009 and 1 November 2011 in two tertiary care university hospitals, with a minimum 6-month follow-up. Inclusion criteria were age >18 years and MUO confirmed by computed tomography, ultrasonography or magnetic resonance imaging. Factors related to poor prognosis were identified by Cox univariable and multivariable regression analyses, and a risk stratification model was created by Kaplan-Meier survival estimates at 1, 6 and 12 months, and log-rank tests. RESULTS: The median (range) survival was 144 (0-1084) days for the 208 patients included after UD (58 ureteric stenting, 150 PCN); 164 patients died, 44 (21.2%) during hospitalisation. Overall survival did not differ by UD type (P = 0.216). The number of events related to malignancy (≥4) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) index (≥2) were associated with short survival on multivariable analysis. These two risk factors were used to divide patients into three groups by survival type: favourable (no factors), intermediate (one factor) and unfavourable (two factors). The median survival at 1, 6, and 12 months was 94.4%, 57.3% and 44.9% in the favourable group; 78.0%, 36.3%, and 15.5% in the intermediate group; and 46.4%, 14.3%, and 7.1% in the unfavourable group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our stratification model may be useful to determine whether UD is indicated for patients with MUO.

Tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy without losing the possibility of second-look nephroscopy: The perfect combinationu / Nefrolitectomía percutánea tubeless con posibilidad de reexploración: la combinación perfecta

Objectives: To evaluate an alternative approach to tubeless surgery that allows a second per- cutaneous procedure using the same nephrostomy tract. Methods: Twenty patients underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy from September 2012 to May 2013 at our institution. Inclusion criteria were: absence of urinary infection, single puncture and operative time less than 2 h. Following the procedure the initially placed ureteral catheter was exteriorized through the working sheath by tying a non-absorbable suture to its end. On postoperative day 1 all patients were studied with non-enhanced CT or X-ray film. If the patient was rendered stone free, the stent was removed along with the urethro-vesical catheter. If a residual stone was present, we recovered the ureteral catheter and used the same nephros- tomy tract for a second endoscopic procedure. Patients were assessed for pain, postoperative complications, length of stay, stone free rate, hematocrit and creatinine variations. Results: Thirteen patients met the inclusion criteria. No major complications related to the stent placement and its exteriorization were seen. Two patients required a second percutaneous procedure successfully achieved recovering the ureteral catheter through the nephrostomy tract. Conclusion: We present a safe and simple modification of tubeless percutaneous nephrolitho- tomy, with its well-known clinical benefits but maintaining a safe path for an eventual second look procedure if necessary.(AU)

Objetivos: Evaluar una sencilla modificación de la nefrolitectomía percutánea tubeless que permita un segundo procedimiento endoscópico utilizando el mismo trayecto percutáneo. Métodos: Veinte pacientes fueron sometidos a nefrolitectomía percutánea en decúbito supino modificado entre septiembre de 2012 y mayo de 2013 en nuestro centro. Los criterios de inclusión para el estudio fueron: ausencia de infección urinaria, punción única y tiempo opera- torio menor de 2 h. Al finalizar el procedimiento se instaló una rienda de sutura en el extremo del catéter ureteral, quedando exteriorizada a través del trayecto de nefrostomía para su recuperación en caso de necesidad. Se realizó tomografía computarizada o radiografía simple a todos los pacientes el primer día postoperatorio. Si el paciente estaba «libre de cálculos¼, el catéter ureteral fue retirado junto con la sonda Foley. En caso de litiasis residual se realizó un segundo procedimiento percutáneo, utilizando el mismo trayecto inicial, exteriorizando el catéter ureteral a través del trayecto de la nefrostomía. En todos los pacientes se objetivaron las complicaciones postoperatorias, la estadía hospitalaria y la presencia de litiasis residual, además de la caída del hematocrito y la creatinina. Resultados: Trece pacientes cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. No hubo complicaciones may- ores relacionadas con la colocación del catéter ureteral y su exteriorización. Dos pacientes requirieron una segunda intervención percutánea, lograda con éxito mediante el uso del catéter ureteral reexteriorizado. Conclusión: Se presenta una modificación segura y sencilla de la nefrolitectomía percutánea tubeless sin renunciar a la posibilidad de recuperar el trayecto de nefrostomía original.(AU)

Tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy without losing the possibility of second-look nephroscopy: The perfect combination.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate an alternative approach to tubeless surgery that allows a second percutaneous procedure using the same nephrostomy tract. METHODS: Twenty patients underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy from September 2012 to May 2013 at our institution. Inclusion criteria were: absence of urinary infection, single puncture and operative time less than 2 h. Following the procedure the initially placed ureteral catheter was exteriorized through the working sheath by tying a non-absorbable suture to its end. On postoperative day 1 all patients were studied with non-enhanced CT or X-ray film. If the patient was rendered stone free, the stent was removed along with the urethro-vesical catheter. If a residual stone was present, we recovered the ureteral catheter and used the same nephrostomy tract for a second endoscopic procedure. Patients were assessed for pain, postoperative complications, length of stay, stone free rate, hematocrit and creatinine variations. RESULTS: Thirteen patients met the inclusion criteria. No major complications related to the stent placement and its exteriorization were seen. Two patients required a second percutaneous procedure successfully achieved recovering the ureteral catheter through the nephrostomy tract. CONCLUSION: We present a safe and simple modification of tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy, with its well-known clinical benefits but maintaining a safe path for an eventual second look procedure if necessary.

Urgencias urológicas tratadas por cirugía de mínimo acceso / Urologic emergencies treated by means of minimally invasive surgery

La obstrucción y el éstasis urinario se encuentran entre los temas más importantes de la Urología de todos los tiempos por los efectos devastadores que producen sobre el riñón, incluyendo la atrofia hidronefrótica, las infecciones a repetición y la muerte, siendo el resultado final de múltiples enfermedades. La nefrostomía percutánea introducida por S. I. Seldinger en 1952 y el catéter doble J diseñado en 1978 por Finney facilita el drenaje de riñones obstruidos, mejoran la sintomatología y permiten el estudio y tratamiento definitivo en ocasiones de la causa. Se realizó un estudio prospectivo descriptivo durante el período comprendido entre el 1ro noviembre de 2003 a diciembre de 2008 en el servicio de Urología del Hospital General Docente Abel Santamaría Cuadrado en Pinar del Río. La muestra estuvo integrada por los pacientes que fueron intervenidos por cirugía de mínimo acceso endo-urológico (nefrostomía percutánea y colocación de stens doble J. encontrando como principales resultados, que la principal causa de asistencia a consulta fue por cólico nefrítico; se realizaron más nefrostomías percutáneas en las litiasis ureterales obstructivas en relación con la colocación de catéter doble JJ, en ambos procederes las complicaciones mediatas más frecuentes presentadas fueron las sepsis post-instrumentaciones, la estadía post-operatoria promedio fue de 72 horas.

The obstruction and the urinary stasis are among the most important topics of Urology in all times, due to the devastating effects in the kidneys, including the hydronephrotic atrophy, the infections and the death; besides it results in multiple diseases. Percutaneous nephrostomy was introduced by S. I Seldinger in 1952 and the double catheter J designed in 1978 by Finney facilitate the drainage of the obstructive kidneys, the use of these techniques improve the symptoms allowing the study and in occasions the definitive treatment of the causes. A prospective descriptive study was conducted from November 2003 to December 2008 in the service of Urology at "Abel Santamaria Cuadrado" University Hospital, Pinar del Rio. The sample was comprised of the patients who underwent to minimal access surgery (percutaneous nephrostomy and placement of double J. stents). Nephritic colic was the main cause to attend to the hospital; performing more percutaneous nephrostomies in obstructive ureteral lithiasis in relation to the placement of double JJ catheter, in both procedures the most frequent mediate complications were post-instrument sepsis. The average post-operative hospital staying was 72 hours.