EMS Lithoclast Trilogy™: an effective single-probe dual-energy lithotripter for mini and standard PCNL.

PURPOSE: Several energy sources are available to clear stones during PCNL. Required improvements are faster stone clearance, optimized suction and ease of use while maintaining high patient safety standard. EMS LithoClast® Trilogy, is the first device combining electromagnetic impactor with ultrasonic energy and suction, all-in-one probe. Animal studies and in vitro phantom stone studies have proven safety and efficacy of this device. We aim to study safety and clinical efficacy of Trilogy in our patients. METHODS: 31 patients with renal stones were included. Amplatz sheath sizes/Trilogy probe size was 22-28 Fr/10.2 Fr for standard PNL (n = 20) and 15 Fr./5.7 Fr for mini PNL access (n = 11). Analysis was done with respect to demography, stone characteristics, operation duration (total time and lithotripter activation time), post op Hb drop, clearance rate and adverse events. Stone area/volume was calculated based on CT using 3D doctor. Efficacy was determined by stone volume clearance rate (mm3/min). RESULTS: Male:female ratio was 6:5 and 16:4 for mini (MPNL)/standard PNL (SPNL). Stone densities were 1229 ± 206 vs. 1168 ± 344 HU (MPNL vs. SPNL). Mean stone volumes were 3776.1 ± 2132 mm3 for MPNL and 7096 ± 6441 for SPNL. Mean stone volume clearance ratios were 370.5 ± 171 mm3/min and 590.7 ± 250mm3/min for MPNL and SPNL, respectively. Hb drop was 1.24 ± 0.64 g/dL (MPNL) and 1.23 ± 0.89gm/dL (SPNL). Total procedure time/lithotripter activation time was 53.4 ± 23.8/14.7 ± 12.4 min for MPNL and 65.2 ± 23.5/12.0 ± 8.9 for SPNL. Immediate post-operative/1 month stone clearance rates were 93%/96% with one clinically insignificant residual fragment (< 3 mm) and no necessity for auxiliary procedures. No device failure occured and three Clavien grade I and one grade II complications were observed. CONCLUSION: Swiss LithoClast® Trilogy provides fast stone clearance in standard/mini-PCNL procedures. Ease of use, high tissue safety and optimized suction that avoids fragment blockings are other key features.

Analysis of factors affecting radiation exposure during percutaneous nephrolithotomy procedures.

OBJECTIVES: To measure and analyse various factors affecting radiation exposure (RE) to surgeons during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 212 patients who underwent PCNL were analysed. Informed consent was obtained from all enrolled patients. Ultrasonography/fluoroscopy guided punctures were done. The tract was dilatated and sheath placement done after which the procedure was completed in a routine fashion. A JJ or ureteric catheter or percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) tube was placed as per the merit of the case. A digitalised mobile surgical C-arm image-intensifier system was used in all cases. RE was determined using a pen dosimeter worn outside the lead apron of the surgeon at the level of the chest for uniformity and was recorded on a per case basis at the end of the procedure. Data were recorded for analysis with respect to relevant parameters. Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify various parameters which affect RE (mSv). RESULTS: The parameters analysed included: age, number and size of stones, body mass index (BMI) of patients, Hounsfield unit of stone (HU), degree of hydronephrosis, number of tracts, mode of access to pelvicalyceal system (PCS), sheath size (F), operative time (min), placement of a JJ or ureteric catheter or PCN tube, and kV used for exposure. There was a significant statistical relationship between stone volume (P < 0.001), number of tracts (P < 0.001), mode of access to PCS (P = 0.001), and sheath size (P = 0.002), with RE. The HU had a negative relationship, with a decrease in HU causing increased RE (P = 0.002). BMI, number of stones, degree of hydronephrosis, operative time and placement of a JJ or ureteric catheter or PCN tube did not have any correlation with RE in our study. CONCLUSION: The mean (SD) RE per procedure was 0.21 (0.11) mSv. Increasing size and low HU of stone, increasing number of tracts, fluoroscopic access to PCS, increasing sheath size and kV were found to increase RE. Although the exposure levels are within safety limits, serial monitoring and constant vigilance are mandatory to inform surgeons.

Robot-assisted ureterocalycostomy: A single centre contemporary experience in adults.

OBJECTIVE: To present our technique and experience of robot-assisted ureterocalycostomy (RAUC) in managing secondary pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction (PUJO) in adults. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients from our centre who underwent RAUC, between 2011 and 2015, for secondary PUJO resulting from previous surgical intervention. Six procedures in five patients, including a bilateral RAUC were performed. The median (range) patient age was 33.7 (18-41) years. The outcome variables included operative time, duration of hospital stay, and objective evidence of unimpeded drainage on urography. RESULTS: The mean (range) operating time was 172 (144-260) min and estimated blood loss was 100 (50-250) mL. There were no conversions to open or laparoscopic surgery, and no intraoperative complications. Two patients had Clavien-Dindo Grade I complications that were managed conservatively and one patient had a Grade IIIb complication, which required balloon dilatation and re-stenting. After a median (range) follow-up of 11 (7-48) months, five of the six renal units had successful outcomes. CONCLUSION: The robot-assisted approach appears to be ideally suited for redo cases demanding fine dissection with meticulous suturing. In our present series of adult patients, we could safely and successfully perform RAUC with minimal morbidity. However, a larger multi-institutional outcome analysis is required to substantiate the role of the robot-assisted approach in performing UC.

Urethral Balloon Dilatation: Factors Affecting Outcomes.

UNLABELLED: Background/Aims/Objectives: The study aims to review our experience with balloon dilatation of urethral strictures and retrospectively analyze predictors of improved success rates. METHODS: One hundred and forty-four cases were analyzed from January 2011 to December 2012. Patients underwent balloon dilatation using 6-Fr Balloon dilator set (Cook Urological, Spencer, Ind., USA). Patients analyzed with respect to demography, uroflowmetry (Qmax) and need for auxiliary procedures in the immediate postoperative period, at 6 months and at 1 year. Comparisons were made between those who performed self-calibration against those who did not. RESULTS: Overall success rate of balloon dilatation in our study was 84.4%. Procedural failure was observed with 3 patients (2.1%). Auxiliary procedure was required in 21 cases (15.6%) during follow-up. The mean Qmax (ml/s) in those who regularly performed self-calibration (n = 73) and in those who did not perform self-calibration (n = 39) in the immediate postoperative period, at 6 months and at 1 year were 24.2 ± 10.5, 16.5 ± 7.5, 14.4 ± 6.3 and 21.2 ± 10.6, 14.5 ± 7, 10.8 ± 5.6, respectively. Statistical significance was noted at 1 year (p = 0.003). Lesser re-treatments were required in those who performed self-calibration (12.3 vs. 20.5%). Improved success rates were noted with focal and bulbar strictures. Iatrogenic strictures and pan-anterior urethral strictures had poor outcomes despite self-calibration. CONCLUSIONS: Balloon dilation with self-calibration significantly improves flow rates at 1 year and lessens auxiliary procedures required. It is simple, easy to perform under local anesthesia and repeatable in case of re-strictures.