Retrograde intrarenal surgery and micro-percutaneous nephrolithotomy for renal lithiasis smaller than 2 CM. / Cirugía retrógrada intrarrenal y micro-nefrolitectomía percutánea en la litiasis renal menor de 2 cm.

INTRODUCTION: Microperc is the upgraded form of percutaneous nephrolithotomy miniaturization. The aim of this study is to compare prospectively microperc and retrograde intrarenal surgery for the treatment of renal stones smaller than 2 cm. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A comparative prospective study of both techniques was carried out between January 2014 and June 2015. Thirty-five patients were divided in two groups: Group A, 17 patients treated by retrograde intrarenal surgery and Group B, 18 patients treated by microperc. Stone clearance was assessed using CT scan 3 months after surgery. RESULTS: Both groups were statistically comparable as demographic variables and stone size was similar (16.76 mm Group A vs 15.72 mm Group B). Success rate, hospital stay and JJ stenting were similar for both groups. There was no statistically significant difference regarding post-operatory complications: 17.64% Group A vs 5.56% Group B (p=0,062), all of them Clavien I and II. Surgical time was statistically different (63.82 min Group A vs 103.24 min Group B) as well as hemoglobin drop (0.62 g/dl Group A and 1.89 g/dl Group B). CONCLUSION: Microperc is an effective and safe procedure for the treatment of renal lithiasis smaller than 2 cm, which makes it a good alternative to retrograde intrarenal surgery for this stone size. However, more prospective studies that include a larger cohort are necessary to confirm our results.

[Indications and morbidity associated with double J catheters.] / Indicaciones y morbilidad asociada a los catéteres doble J.

The use of double J catheters is usual in urologist's daily practice. The indication can be divided in prophylactic or therapeutic. Prophylactically, they prevent complications derived from endourological procedures, such as ureteral lesion or obstructive uropathy secondary to residual lithiasis or edema. Therapeutically, they treat obstructive uropathy of many different pathologies, either in an emergency setting or scheduled, such as lithiasis, stenosis, extrinsic compression of any nature or urinary tract tumors among others. Although they add clear benefits in both cases, they are not free from side effects. The most frequent symptoms they cause are: voiding urgency and increase in voiding frequency, macroscopic hematuria and suprapubic and lumbar pain. The physiopathological mechanism is explained by a mechanical and inflammatory effect or due to vesicoureteral reflux depending on the symptom. This causes patient's quality of life disturbance that may vary from mild degree to very severe. Thus, several strategies have emerged with the aim of diminishing or palliate the intensity of such symptoms: alpha-blocker drugs, design modifications or reduction of their use.

Influence of barbed suture in laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. / Influencia de la sutura barbada en la prostatectomía radical laparoscópica.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the influence of barbed suture in laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. METHODS: A retrospective study of 150 patients who underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy was carried out by our department. The patients were divided in two groups according to the kind of suture used during the vesicourethral anastomosis: conventional 3-0 absorbable multifilament running suture (group 1) and bidirectional barbed suture (Quill®) (group 2). Operating time, postoperatory urinary fistula, hospital stay and catheter duration were analyzed in both groups. RESULTS: After the analysis of all the preoperative variables, such as age, PSA, prostate volume, Gleason and stage on biopsy, no statistically significant differences were found in both groups. Operating time was significantly shorter in Group 2 (169±43 min vs 215±45 min, p=0.00). Statistically significant differences were found regarding postoperative urinary fistula rate, hospital stay and urethral catheterization duration, favourable to Group 2. CONCLUSIONS: The use of bidirectional barbed suture (Quill®) for vesicourethral anastomosis in laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, when compared with the conventional suture, shortens surgical time, reduces urinary fistula rate, catheter duration and hospital stay, as the anastomosis is easily performed and prevents leakage.

Flexible ureteroscopy for renal stones.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this prospective study are to present our experience with retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS), and to analyze its results and complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 150 patients with renal stones were treated with RIRS. 111 cases showed single stones whilst multiple stones were observed in 39 cases. The mean size was 19.12mm (r: 5-74). Success rate was defined as the absence of residual stones or the presence of fragments ≤2mm. RESULTS: in 21 (14%) patients RIRS could not be performed on first attempt because it was impossible to place the ureteral access sheath. The immediate success rate was 85.7%, and 91.6% at three months later. The average operating time was 85min (r: 25-220). Postoperative complications were observed in 22 cases (14.6%), although most of them were classified as Clavien 1 and 2 (19 cases), and only 2% (3 cases) showed Clavien 4 complications (sepsis requiring admission in the intensive care unit). 10 patients underwent a second procedure in order to complete the treatment. Thus, the number of procedures per patient was 1.06. There were no late complications. CONCLUSIONS: the treatment of renal stones with flexible ureteroscopy using the ureteral access sheath shows a high successful rate with a low complication rate. In order to define its indication more precisely, randomized studies comparing RIRS with minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy procedures (miniperc and microperc) would be necessary.

El aprendizaje de la nefrolitectomía percutánea en posición supina. Estudio observacional multicéntrico / Learning of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in supine position. An observational multicenter study

Objetivo: Estudiar prospectivamente los resultados operatorios y las complicaciones de la nefrolitectomía percutánea (NLP) en posición supina para valorar la dificultad de su aprendizaje y cómo afecta la experiencia a los resultados. Establecer una comparación relativa con los datos publicados en la literatura acerca de la posición en prono. Material y métodos: Estudio prospectivo observacional multicéntrico sobre NLP en posición de Valdivia o en su variante de Galdácano. Se recogen variables demográficas y variables específicas dependientes de la litiasis. Se valoran aspectos técnicos, tiempo quirúrgico, tasa de éxito y complicaciones según la clasificación de Clavien-Dindo. Resultados: Desde septiembre de 2008 a junio de 2011 se han registrado 335 NLP en posición supina realizadas en 13 centros españoles. La proporción hombre/mujer fue 1:1,28 y la edad media 51,3 + 14,5 años; 211 (63%) casos fueron realizados por urólogos con experiencia de > 50 casos y 124 (37%) por urólogos con menos experiencia. El tiempo operatorio medio fue 113,3±46,4min, 106,6±38,2 en experimentados vs. 124,9±56,2 en noveles (p<0,002). No se detectó diferencia en el tamaño medio de la litiasis, pero en el grupo con experiencia se trató una mayor proporción de casos coraliformes y de litiasis múltiples que en el grupo novel (p<0,001). La tasa de éxito evaluada como ausencia total de restos litiásicos fue 69,6%, sin diferencias entre grupos (68,2 vs. 71,8%). En 102 (30,6%) pacientes hubo litiasis residual, precisando tratamiento complementario 60 (17,9%). La tasa relativa de éxito global fue 82,1% y la tasa de complicaciones 25,4%, sin detectarse diferencias entre grupos. No obstante, el grupo novel presentó mayor número de complicaciones mayores (p>0,001). Conclusión: La NLP en supino está teniendo una rápida y consolidada difusión en nuestro entorno, y su efectividad y seguridad parece equivalente a la descrita en la literatura para la NLP en prono. Resulta posible conseguir buenos resultados con una modesta curva de aprendizaje. La tasa de complicaciones mayores asociadas al procedimiento disminuye con la experiencia (AU)

Objective: To prospectively study the post-operative results and complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) in supine position to assess difficulty of learning it and how experience affects the results. To establish a relative comparison with the data published in the literature on the prone position. Material and methods: A prospective observational multicenter study on PNL in Valdivia position or in its Galdakao variant was performed. Demographic variables and specific variables related to the lithiasis were collected. Technical aspects, surgery time, success rate and complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classifications were assessed. Results: A total of 335 PNL in supine position conducted in 13 Spanish centers were registered from September 2008 to June 2011. The man: woman ratio was 1:1.28 and mean age 51.3 + 14.5 years. 211 (63%) cases were performed by urologists with experience in > 50 cases and 124 (37%) by urologists with less experience. Mean operation time was 113.3±46.4min, 106.6±38.2 for the experienced ones vs. 124.9±56.2 in the novice ones (P<0.002). No difference was detected in the mean size of the lithiasis. However, in the experienced group, there was a greater proportion of coraliform cases and multiple lithiasis than in the novice group (P<0.001). Success rate evaluated as total absence of lithiasic residuals was 69.6%, without differences between groups (68.2 vs. 71.8%). In 102 (30.6%) patient had residual lithiasis and 60 (17,9%) required complementary treatment. Relative global success rate was 82.1% and complications rate 25.4%, without detecting differences between groups. However, the novel group had more major complications (P>0.001). Conclusion: The PNL in supine position is obtaining rapid and consolidated diffusion in our setting and its effectiveness and safety seems to be equivalent to that described in the literature for PNL in prone position. It is possible to obtain good results with a modest learning curve. The rate of greater complications associated to the procedure decreases with experience (AU)

[Learning of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in supine position. An observational multicenter study]. / El aprendizaje de la nefrolitectomía percutánea en posición supina. Estudio observacional multicéntrico.

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively study the post-operative results and complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) in supine position to assess difficulty of learning it and how experience affects the results. To establish a relative comparison with the data published in the literature on the prone position. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective observational multicenter study on PNL in Valdivia position or in its Galdakao variant was performed. Demographic variables and specific variables related to the lithiasis were collected. Technical aspects, surgery time, success rate and complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classifications were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 335 PNL in supine position conducted in 13 Spanish centers were registered from September 2008 to June 2011. The man:woman ratio was 1:1.28 and mean age 51.3+14.5 years. 211 (63%) cases were performed by urologists with experience in >50 cases and 124 (37%) by urologists with less experience. Mean operation time was 113.3 ± 46.4 min, 106.6 ± 38.2 for the experienced ones vs. 124.9 ± 56.2 in the novice ones (P<.002). No difference was detected in the mean size of the lithiasis. However, in the experienced group, there was a greater proportion of coraliform cases and multiple lithiasis than in the novice group (P<.001). Success rate evaluated as total absence of lithiasic residuals was 69.6%, without differences between groups (68.2 vs. 71.8%). In 102 (30.6%) patient had residual lithiasis and 60 (17,9%) required complementary treatment. Relative global success rate was 82.1% and complications rate 25.4%, without detecting differences between groups. However, the novel group had more major complications (P>.001). CONCLUSION: The PNL in supine position is obtaining rapid and consolidated diffusion in our setting and its effectiveness and safety seems to be equivalent to that described in the literature for PNL in prone position. It is possible to obtain good results with a modest learning curve. The rate of greater complications associated to the procedure decreases with experience.

[Retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). Technical complement for cases of acute lithiasis]. / Cirugía retrógrada intrarrenal (CRIR). Complemento técnico para casos con excesiva carga litiásica.

INTRODUCTION: Washing the renal cavities using minipercutaneous surgery shaft is an ideal technical procedure for retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) when lithiasic fragmentation is significant or if the anatomy of the renal cavities may obstruct the spontaneous elimination of fragments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: we performed 37 RIRS on 35 patients with renal lithiasis (14 men, 21 women) with a mean age of 56 (range 33-72) years, divided into two groups in accordance with the size of their kidney stones. Group A, 23 patients with lithiasis <1.5 cm; Group B, 12 cases with lithiasis >1.5 cm. 28 patients had a single kidney stone and 7 had multiple stones. APPROACH: Flexible uretrorenoscopy, 7.5 Fr (Flex-X(®, Karl Storz) by means of a ureteral access sheath. Holmium laser lithotripsy (Calculase®, Karl Storz) using 200 and 365 micrometer fibres. Fragment extraction with 1.7 Fr nitinol baskets (N-gage, Cook). In cases of significant fragmented stone burden, the renal cavities were washed with low-pressure fluid irrigation using a ureteral access sheath, which was collected together with the stone fragments carried by the "mini-perc" sheath (Ultrax-x® 18Fr, Cook; Rusch, 14 Fr) placed under radiologic and endoscopic control at the level of the calyx-papilla selected for fragment drainage. RESULTS: the mean diameter for group A was 9.13 (range 5-13) mm and 20.25 (range 16-28) mm for group B. The overall mean operating time was 81 (range 30-160) min. Group A required 66.43±35.18 min. and group B 107.5±46.73 min. (p=0.006). The rate of absence of stones immediately after surgery was 83.2%, 93.1% at 3 months (95.6% for A and 83.3% for B; p=0.217). In no case was ureteral stenosis observed as a result of the use of ureteral access sheaths. In 7 group B patients (58.3%) with acute lithiasis and/or alteration in their pyelocaliceal anatomy, we performed active lavage of the renal cavities applying the aforementioned percutaneous technique. The mean post-surgery hospital stay was 2.1 (range 1-4) days. There were post-surgery complications (Clavien 1) in 7 patients (20%). Two patients required a second FURS. CONCLUSIONS: RIRS can be effective treatment for renal lithiasis >1.5 cm. Lavage of the renal cavities helps to eliminate stone fragments, reducing the possibility of retreatment.

Cirugía retrógrada intrarrenal (CRIR). Complemento técnico para casos con excesiva carga litiásica / Retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). Technical complement for cases of acute lithiasis

Introducción: El lavado de las cavidades renales mediante una vaina de cirugía minipercutánea es un procedimiento técnico ideal para la cirugía retrógrada intrarrenal (CRIR) cuando la carga litiásica fragmentada es grande o si la anatomía de las cavidades renales puede dificultar la eliminación espontánea de los fragmentos. Material y métodos: hemos realizado 37 CRIR en 35 pacientes con litiasis renal (14 hombres, 21 mujeres) con edad media de 56 años (rango 33-72), divididos en dos grupos de acuerdo al tamaño litiásico: grupo A, 23 pacientes con litiasis < 1,5cm; grupo B, 12 casos con litiasis >1,5cm. En 28 pacientes la litiasis fue única y en 7 múltiple. Técnica empleada: ureterorrenoscopia flexible 7,5 Fr (FlexX(®, Karl Storz) a través de vaina de acceso ureteral. Litotricia con láser holmium (Calculase®, Karl Storz) utilizando fibras de 200 y 365 micras. Extracción de fragmentos mediante cestas de nitinol de 1,7 Fr (N-gage, Cook). Ante una carga litiásica fragmentada abundante se lavaron cavidades renales introduciendo líquido de irrigación a baja presión a través de la vaina de acceso ureteral y recogiéndolo, junto con los fragmentos litiásicos arrastrados, por una vaina de “miniperc” (Ultraxx® 18Fr, Cook; Rusch, 14 Fr) colocada bajo control radiológico y endoscópico a nivel de la papila de un cáliz, a modo de sumidero de fragmentos. Resultados: el diámetro medio para el grupo A fue 9,13 (rango: 5-13) mm y 20,25 (rango 16-28) mm para el grupo B. El tiempo medio operatorio global fue 81min (rango 30-160). El grupo A precisó 66,43±35,18 minutos y el grupo B 107,5±46,73 minutos (p=0,006). La tasa de limpieza de litiasis en el postoperatorio inmediato fue 83,2%, a los 3 meses 93,1% (95,6% para A y 83,3% para B; p=0,217). En ningún caso se observó estenosis ureteral como consecuencia del empleo de vainas de acceso al uréter. En 7 pacientes del grupo B (58,3%) con excesiva carga litiásica y/o alteración en la anatomía pielocalicial se realizó lavado activo de las cavidades renales con la maniobra percutánea descrita. La estancia media postoperatoria fue 2,1 (rango 1-4) días. En 7 pacientes (20%) hubo complicaciones postoperatorias (Clavien 1). Dos pacientes precisaron una segunda URF. Conclusiones: la CRIR puede ser un tratamiento eficaz en la litiasis renal >1,5cm. El lavado de cavidades renales ayuda a eliminar los fragmentos litiásicos disminuyendo la posibilidad de retratamiento (AU)

Introduction: Washing the renal cavities using minipercutaneous surgery shaft is an ideal technical procedure for retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) when lithiasic fragmentation is significant or if the anatomy of the renal cavities may obstruct the spontaneous elimination of fragments. Materials and methods: we performed 37 RIRS on 35 patients with renal lithiasis (14 men, 21 women) with a mean age of 56 (range 33-72) years, divided into two groups in accordance with the size of their kidney stones. Group A, 23 patients with lithiasis <1.5cm; Group B, 12 cases with lithiasis >1.5cm. 28 patients had a single kidney stone and 7 had multiple stones. Approach: Flexible uretrorenoscopy, 7.5 Fr (Flex-X(®, Karl Storz) by means of a ureteral access sheath. Holmium laser lithotripsy (Calculase®, Karl Storz) using 200 and 365 micrometer fibres. Fragment extraction with 1.7 Fr nitinol baskets (N-gage, Cook). In cases of significant fragmented stone burden, the renal cavities were washed with low-pressure fluid irrigation using a ureteral access sheath, which was collected together with the stone fragments carried by the “mini-perc” sheath (Ultrax-x® 18Fr, Cook; Rusch, 14 Fr) placed under radiologic and endoscopic control at the level of the calyx-papilla selected for fragment drainage. Results: the mean diameter for group A was 9.13 (range 5-13) mm and 20.25 (range 16-28) mm for group B. The overall mean operating time was 81 (range 30-160) min. Group A required 66.43±35.18min. and group B 107.5±46.73min. (p=0.006). The rate of absence of stones immediately after surgery was 83.2%, 93.1% at 3 months (95.6% for A and 83.3% for B; p=0.217). In no case was ureteral stenosis observed as a result of the use of ureteral access sheaths. In 7 group B patients (58.3%) with acute lithiasis and/or alteration in their pyelocaliceal anatomy, we performed active lavage of the renal cavities applying the aforementioned percutaneous technique. The mean post-surgery hospital stay was 2.1 (range 1-4) days. There were post-surgery complications (Clavien 1) in 7 patients (20%). Two patients required a second FURS. Conclusions: RIRS can be effective treatment for renal lithiasis >1.5cm. Lavage of the renal cavities helps to eliminate stone fragments, reducing the possibility of retreatment (AU)