Paraplegia-quadriplegia Independently Increases All Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Complications: A Comparative Study Using the Modified Clavien System.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the perioperative complication rates for paraplegic-quadriplegic patients (PQPs) undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) as compared with non-PQPs using a standardized method of complication reporting via the Clavien system. METHODS: Two hundred thirteen consecutive PCNLs performed by a single surgeon were analyzed. There were 31 and 115 patients separated into PQP and non-PQP groups, respectively. Data collection included demographic and clinical factors, as well as perioperative and delayed complications. Complications were organized by the Clavien grade. All- and initial-procedure complications were analyzed. The rate of adverse events for each Clavien grade was calculated, and statistical comparisons were made. The relationship between PQP and complication severity was investigated using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: There were 38 and 43 initial-procedure complications in the PQP and non-PQP groups, respectively. The rate of adverse events was higher across the spectrum of Clavien grades for the PQP group, specifically grade 1 (48.4% vs 20.2%; P = .002), grade 2 (22.6% vs 5.3%; P = .004), grade 3b (12.9% vs 2.6%; P = .038), grade 4a (6.5% vs 0%), and grade 4b (9.7% vs 1.8%; P = .066). Approximately 51.6% and 31.5% of PQPs and non-PQPs experienced ≥ 1 complications, respectively (odds ratio = 2.34; P = .05). Multivariate analysis demonstrated paraplegia or quadriplegia status to be an independent risk factor for the development of perioperative complications after adjusting for confounding factors (odds ratio = 2.91; P = .040). CONCLUSION: PCNL complication rates are higher in PQPs compared with non-PQPs. This study is one of the first in PCNL to use a standardized reporting system to highlight high-risk individuals within the stone population.

Residual fragments following ureteroscopic lithotripsy: incidence and predictors on postoperative computerized tomography.

PURPOSE: Residual fragments following ureteroscopy for calculi may contribute to stone growth, symptoms or additional interventions. We reviewed our experience with ureteroscopy for calculus disease to define the incidence and establish factors predictive of residual fragments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records associated with 667 consecutive ureteroscopic lithotripsy procedures for upper urinary calculi were reviewed. In 265 procedures (40%) computerized tomography was done between 30 and 90 days postoperatively. They comprised the study group. Residual fragments were defined as any residual ipsilateral stone greater than 2 mm. RESULTS: Included in the study were 121 men and 127 women with a mean age of 47 years. Mean target stone diameter was 7.6 mm. The stone location was the kidney in 30% of cases, ureter in 50%, and kidney and ureter in 20%. Residual fragments were detected on computerized tomography after 101 of 265 procedures (38%). Pretreatment stone size was associated with residual fragments at a rate of 24%, 40% and 58% for stones 5 or less, 6 to 10 and greater than 10 mm, respectively (p <0.001). Additionally, stone location in the kidney (p <0.001) or the kidney and ureter (p = 0.044), multiple calculi (p = 0.003), longer operative time (p = 0.008) and exclusive use of flexible ureteroscopy (p = 0.029) were associated with residual fragments. In a multivariate model only pretreatment stone diameter greater than 5 mm was independently associated with residual fragments after ureteroscopy (diameter 6 to 10 and greater than 10 mm OR 2.03, p = 0.03 and OR 3.74, p = 0.003, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Of patients who underwent ureteroscopic lithotripsy for calculi 38% had residual fragments by computerized tomography criteria, including more than 50% with stones 1 cm or greater. Such data may guide expectations regarding the success of ureteroscopy in attaining stone-free status.