Comparison of Scoring Systems in Predicting Success of Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

Background: Scoring systems are useful to inform the patients about the success and complication rates of the operation prior the surgery. Aims: To determine the applicability of the popular scoring systems (Guy's, stone size, tract length, obstruction, number of involved calices, and essence/stone density and Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society) by means of examining preoperative data of patients treated with percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed files of the patients who had undergone percutaneous nephrolithotomy in our center between 2011 and 2015. Excluded from the study were patients aged <18 years, and those who were not assessed preoperatively with computed tomography. Preoperative computed tomography images of all patients were assessed by a single observer, and patients were graded based on three scoring system. Demographic data were analyzed along with perioperative data (operation, fluoroscopy, length of hospital stay, changes in hematocrit values, location, and number of access sites, stone-free and complication rates). Results: A total of 298 patients who had been treated with 300 procedures were enrolled into the study. Mean age, stone burden, number of stones, and density were 48.1±12.9 years, 663.5±442.8 mm2, 1.8±1.1 and 888.3±273 HU respectively. Scores of the cases based on Guy's, stone size, tract length, obstruction, number of involved calices, and essence/stone density, and Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society scoring system were calculated as 2, 7.6, and 222.1 points respectively. 81.6% of the patients were stone-free. Complications were detected in 30 (9.9%) patients. Based on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis a positive correlation was detected between success rate and scoring systems, i.e., Guy's (p=<0.001, r=-0.309), stone size, tract length, obstruction, number of involved calices, and essence/stone density (p=<0.001, r=-0.295), and Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society (p=<0.001, r=0.426). The Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society scoring system had the highest predictive value. The sensitivity rates rates for Guy's, Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society and Stone scoring system were as 78.78%, 80% and 82.34% respectively. Conclusion: All of scoring systems predicted correctly the success of the percutaneous nephrolithotomy procedures. The Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society scoring system had the highest predictive value.

Supracostal access for miniaturized percutaneous nephrolithotomy: comparison of supracostal and infracostal approaches.

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficiency and safety of supracostal and subcostal approaches during miniaturized percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mPNL). In two tertiary academic centers, we retrospectively analyzed the charts of patients who had undergone mPNL between January 2011 and June 2015 for the treatment of renal stones. Enrolled in the study were 49 patients who had access through the supracostal area (Group 1) and, to serve as controls, 49 patients who were accessed through the subcostal area (Group 2). To avoid potential bias between the groups, the patients were retrospectively matched one-on-one with respect to age, gender, body mass index, ASA score, and size and number of stones. The presence of upper calyx stones and distorted lower calyx anatomy were the most common reasons for performing supracostal access (57.1 and 28.6%, respectively). Access through 11-12 intercostal space was performed in 46 patients (93.9%), and the other three supracostal accesses (6.1%) were performed through the 10-11 intercostal area. The complication rates were 14.3% in Group 1 and 16.3% in Group 2 (p = 0.952). Final stone-free status had increased to 89.8 and 87.8% in Groups 1 and 2, respectively (p = 0.942). Our study demonstrated that mPNL resulted in acceptable stone-free rates whether accessed through either the supracostal or subcostal areas. Moreover, the supracostal approach with mPNL had no negative effect on any intraoperative and postoperative parameters, nor did it increase complication rates.

Does Preoperative Use of Dutasteride Decrease Bleeding During Open Prostatectomy?

PURPOSE: To investigate whether use of dutasteride, a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, for at least four weeks preoperatively affected the blood loss during open prostatectomy (OP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis was made of the data of 110 patients who had undergone OP. Group I comprised 50 patients that used dutasteride for 4 weeks preoperatively, and Group II comprised 60 patients that did not use the drug. The groups were compared in respect of age, total prostate specific antigen (TPSA) levels, prostate volumes, preoperative hemoglobin (Hgb) and hematocrit (Hct) levels, postoperative reduction of Hgb and Hct, percentage reduction in Hgb and Hct, and the administration of postoperative blood products. RESULTS: No differences were determined between the two groups in respect of prostate volumes, TPSA, preoperative Hgb and Hct levels (P = .813, P = .978, P = .422, P =.183, respectively). Postoperative Hgb reduction was 2.19 ± 1.36 g/dL in Group I, and 2.5 ± 1.47 g/dL in Group II (P = .260). Hgb reduction was calculated as 16.4 ± 9.7% in Group I and 17.6 ± 9.7% in Group II (P = .505). Reductions in Hct were 5.8 ± 3.7% in Group I, and 7.3 ± 4.4% in Group II, and percent reductions were 14.8 ± 9.4% in Group I and 17.3 ± 10.2% in Group II (P = .068, P = .182, respectively). CONCLUSION: The use of dutasteride before OP did not affect blood loss during surgery, therefore surgery should not be delayed for the administration of dutasteride to patients.

Removal of a retroperitoneal foreign body through single port laparoscopy using nephroscope.

Foreign bodies are rare and challenging issues leading to symptoms according to the location. Laparoscopy is a popular and minimally invasive method used for removal of foreign bodies in the abdominal cavity or retroperitoneum. We herein report a case with retroperitoneal foreign body that was removed through retroperitoneal single- port laparoscopy using nephroscope. To our knowledge this is the first case of removal of a retroperitoneal foreign body through single- port laparoscopy using nephroscope.

Tract Sizes in Miniaturized Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A Systematic Review from the European Association of Urology Urolithiasis Guidelines Panel.

CONTEXT: Miniaturized instruments for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL), utilizing tracts sized ≤22 Fr, have been developed in an effort to reduce the morbidity and increase the efficiency of stone removal compared with standard PNL (>22 Fr). OBJECTIVE: We systematically reviewed all available evidence on the efficacy and safety of miniaturized PNL for removing renal calculi. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: The review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses statement. Since it was not possible to perform a meta-analysis, the data were summarized in a narrative synthesis. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: After screening 2945 abstracts, 18 studies were included (two randomized controlled trials [RCTs], six nonrandomized comparative studies, and 10 case series). Thirteen studies were full-text articles and five were only available as congress abstracts. The size of tracts used in miniaturized procedures ranged from 22 Fr to 4.8 Fr. The largest mean stone size treated using small instruments was 980mm2. Stone-free rates were comparable in miniaturized and standard PNL procedures. Procedures performed with small instruments tended to be associated with significantly lower blood loss, while the procedure duration tended to be significantly longer. Other complications were not notably different between PNL types. Study designs and populations were heterogeneous. Study limitations included selection and outcome reporting bias, as well as a lack of information on relevant confounding factors. CONCLUSIONS: The studies suggest that miniaturized PNL is at least as efficacious and safe as standard PNL for the removal of renal calculi. However, the quality of the evidence was poor, drawn mainly from small studies, the majority of which were single-arm case series, and only two of which were RCTs. Furthermore, the tract sizes used and types of stones treated were heterogeneous. Hence, the risks of bias and confounding were high, highlighting the need for more reliable data from RCTs. PATIENT SUMMARY: Removing kidney stones via percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) using smaller sized instruments (mini-PNL) appears to be as effective and safe as using larger (traditional) instruments, but more clinical research is needed.

The economics of stone disease.

The rising prevalence of kidney stone disease is associated with significant costs to healthcare systems worldwide. This is in part due to direct procedural and medical management costs, as well as indirect costs to health systems, patients, and families. A number of manuscripts evaulating the economics of stone disease have been published since the 2008s International Consultation on Stone Disease. These highlight costs associated with stone disease, including acute management, surgical management, and medical management. This work hopes to highlight optimization in care by reducing inefficient treatments and maximizing cost-efficient preventative strategies.

Do the urolithiasis scoring systems predict the success of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in cases with anatomical abnormalities?

The objective of this study is to assess the utility of the Guy, S.T.O.N.E., and CROES nephrolithometry scoring systems (SS), and compare the capability of each system to predict percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) outcome in patients with anatomical abnormalities. We retrospectively collected medical records of patients with anatomical abnormalities who underwent PNL for the treatment of renal calculi by experienced surgical teams in four referral centers. All of the patients were graded by a single observer from each department based on preoperative computed tomography images using each SS. Patient demographics and outcomes were compared according to the complexity of the procedure as graded by each scoring system. A total of 137 cases with anatomical abnormalities [horseshoe kidney (n = 46), malrotation (n = 33), kypho and/or scoliosis (n = 31) and ectopic kidney (n = 27)] were assessed retrospectively. The mean stone burden, number, and density were 708.5 mm2, 1.7, and 791.8 HU, respectively. The mean procedure, fluoroscopy, and hospitalization times were 75.2 ± 35.3 min, 133.4 ± 92.3 s, and 3.5 ± 2.1 days, respectively. Stone-free status was achieved in 106 cases (77.4 %). A total of 17 (13.6 %) complications occurred postoperatively. The mean scores were 2.7, 7.2, and 219.1, for the Guy, S.T.O.N.E., and CROES systems, respectively. CROES score was the independent predictor of PNL success in cases with anatomical abnormalities [p: 0.001, OR 1.01, (95 % CI 1005-1021)]. The CROES scoring system is well correlated with the success of PNL in cases with anatomical abnormalities; the S.T.O.N.E. and Guy scoring systems failed to predict the outcomes of PNL in this specific patient population.

Micro-ureteroscopy for the treatment of distal ureteral calculi in children.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of micro-ureteroscopy (micro-URS) in the management of distal ureteral stones in the pediatric population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 11 children, who had undergone micro-URS between September 2015 and April 2016 with the indication of distal ureteral calculi in two referral centers, were retrospectively evaluated. The procedures were performed with the patient in the lithotomy position under general anesthesia using the standard URS technique with a micro-ureteroscope that has a caliber of 4.85 Fr all along its length. Demographics, perioperative data, and outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: Right (n=6) and left (n=8) ureteral stones were detected in the respective number of patients. The mean age of the children was calculated as 55.1months (range, 6-161months). The median stone size was 10.5mm (range, 6-24mm). The median operative time was 36.8min (range, 23-68min). A double 3 stent was implanted in 3 of 11 patients because of severe edema. As a postoperative complication mild hematuria (Clavien grade 1) was observed in one case and resolved spontaneously. Intraoperative minor or major complication did not occur in any of the cases. The mean hospitalization time was determined as 21.4h (range, 10-28h). Stone-free status was accomplished in all patients in the final assessment. CONCLUSION: The outcomes of our series show that micro-URS can be used safely and effectively in the treatment of pediatric distal ureteral stones. Further prospective and comparative studies comparing instruments of different size are warranted.

External Validation and Evaluation of Reliability and Validity of the Triple D Score to Predict Stone-Free Status After Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy.

OBJECTIVE: The Triple D scoring system is defined as novel and simple nomogram using the main parameters (skin-to-stone distance, stone density, and volume) to indicate most appropriate patients for extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL). We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the Triple D scoring system in predicting SWL success rates. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In two tertiary academic centers, charts were retrospectively analyzed of patients who had, between January 2014 and May 2016, been treated by SWL for radiopaque kidney stones. A total of 200 patients were enrolled into the study. Parameters were calculated for each of the three specified variables. Since one point was assigned for any parameter that was less than the cutoff value, Triple D scores ranged from 0 (worst) to 3 (best). RESULTS: Stone-free status was achieved in 115 patients (57.5%), and 85 patients had one or more residual fragments (42.5%). Differences in stone characteristics, including stone location, density, and volume, were statistically significant in patients whether SWL achieved stone-free status or not (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). Triple D scores were significantly higher in patients treated with SWL compared with patients in whom SWL failed (p < 0.001). Triple D scores of 0, 1, 2, and 3 correlated with stone-free rates of 41.7%, 33.7%, 69.4%, and 97%, respectively. The multivariate analyses revealed that Triple D score and stone location were identified as independent factors affecting SWL success (p < 0.001 and p = 0.008, respectively). The mean number of SWL sessions was significantly higher in patients with SWL failure (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Our study externally validates that the Triple D scoring system is associated with SWL success in the treatment of renal and ureteral stones. Further studies are warranted to assess clinical usefulness and the accuracy of this nomogram in different patient groups.

The role of ultra-mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the treatment of kidney stones.

OBJECTIVE: In our study we aimed to evaluate outcomes of ultra-mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (UMP) performed for the treatment of kidney stones. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between October 2014 and September 2015, a single surgeon performed UMP on a total of 49 consecutive patients with symptomatic kidney stones at our center. Pregnants, anticogulant users, patients with bleeding diathesis pyonephrosis, and partial/complete staghorn stones were excluded from the study. Patient characteristics, operative data and postoperative outcomes were assessed in detail. RESULTS: The UMP was performed on 50 (34 right/16 left) renal units of the 48 (28 male/20 female) patients included in this study. The mean age and body mass index was 36.5 (2-83) years and 26.2 (17.6-32.8) kg/m2, respectively. Mean stone size was calculated as 22.2 (10-55) mm. The mean durations of the operations and fluoroscopic examination were calculated as 65.4 (20-120) minutes and 89.4 (9-322) seconds, respectively. The mean duration of hospitalization was 1.4 (1-5) days. In 52% of the patients the procedure was terminated tubeless. Mean hemoglobin drop was 0.6 (0-3) g/dL. Our series experienced a 10% complication rate. The UMP procedure was successful in 96% of the renal units at the 1st month control visit assessment. CONCLUSION: The outcomes of our study have demonstrated that UMP is an effective and safe treatment modality, especially in the treatment of medium-sized renal calculi.

Combined micro-and standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy for complex renal calculi.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to present the technique of combination of standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) with microperc for achieving higher success rates without increasing complication rates in the management of complex renal calculi. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The patients who underwent microperc procedure as a complementary procedure to standard PNL for complex kidney stones in two reference hospitals between 2013 and 2015, were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: All patients underwent a total of two accesses one for standard PNL and one for microperc. The mean stone size was measured as 54.3 mm. The procedures were completed after an average operative time of 88.2 minutes and fluoroscopy time of 5.3 minutes. Stone free status was achieved in 18 cases (78.2%) and small residual fragments (≤4 mm) were detected in 3 cases (13.1%). Complications were seen in three patients (13%) as hemorrhage in one and postoperative fever in two patients. CONCLUSION: Despite the limitations of this study, the combination of standard PNL and microperc might reduce the complication rates and increase the success rates when treating complex kidney stones. Future prospective and comparative studies are needed.

External Comparison of Recent Predictive Nomograms for Stone-Free Rate Using Retrograde Flexible Ureteroscopy with Laser Lithotripsy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess and compare the applicability of the Resorlu-Unsal Stone Score (RUSS) and the Modified Seoul National University Renal Stone Complexity (S-ReSC) score for flexible ureterorenoscopy (f-URS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the hospital files of 719 patients who had been treated with f-URS for kidney stone at two referral centers between July 2012 and December 2015. The RUSS and Modified S-ReSC scores were calculated by the same surgeon for each patient by using imaging methods and were compared as to their predictive capability for postoperative success. RESULTS: A total of 339 patients (168 men and 171 women) with a mean age of 46.5 ± 16.1 (range:1-86) years and a mean body mass index of 27.1 ± 4.1 (range: 12.8-38.5) were included in the study. The mean stone size was 14.4 ± 5.4 (4-40) mm, and the mean stone surface area was 145.3 ± 76.8 (20-658) mm2. The overall stone-free rate was 70.1%. The mean scores were 0.5 ± 0.7 and 1.8 ± 1.1 for the RUSS and Modified S-ReSC, respectively. In the logistic regression analysis, musculoskeletal deformity, stone size, and the RUSS were identified as independent predictive factors affecting stone-free status (p: 0, p: 0.014, p: 0.048, respectively). Among these parameters, the RUSS had the highest predictive capability (area under curve value 0.65, [95% confidence interval 589, 721]). CONCLUSIONS: Stone size, presence of musculoskeletal abnormalities, and the RUSS score are important factors affecting SF status after f-URS. Despite the RUSS being an independent predictive factor for SF status, more comprehensive systems with higher predictive capability are needed for clinical usage and academic reporting.

Comparison of Scoring Systems in Pediatric Mini-Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy.

OBJECTIVE: To apply urolithiasis scoring systems to the pediatric miniperc procedure and to compare their predictive capability for postoperative outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records from 2 referral centers of patients under 18 years of age who had the miniperc procedure between 2010 and 2015 were retrospectively investigated. All patients included in the study were graded by the same surgeon according to Guy's and Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society (CROES) scoring systems using preoperative imaging methods. Patient demographics and outcomes were compared according to the complexity of the procedure as graded by each scoring system. RESULTS: The mean age of the 97 patients was 7.1 ± 5.2 (1-17) years. The mean stone burden and number were 388.4 ± 233.9 mm(2) and 1.5 ± 1.3, respectively. The mean procedure, fluoroscopy, and hospitalization times were 78.2 ± 32.8 minutes, 144.8 ± 84.3 seconds, and 4.1 ± 2.8 days, respectively. The mean hematocrit drop was calculated as 2.2 ± 2.2. The mean scores were 1.7 ± 1.0 and 259.9 ± 50.6 for Guy's and CROES scoring systems, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, stone-free status was found to be associated with Guy's (r: -0.464, p: .000) and CROES (r: 0.490, : 0.000) scoring systems and stone burden (r: -0.161, p: .041). In the analysis of factors related to complication, Guy's score was identified as an independent predictor of complication (p: .02, odds ratio: 1.9, 95% confidence interval 1.097-3.319). CONCLUSION: According to our results, using Guy's and CROES scoring systems, stone-free ratios after percutaneous nephrolithotomy may be predicted preoperatively. In addition, Guy's system is a predictor of postoperative complication rate.

Publication rates of full-text journal articles converted from abstracts presented during the 22(nd) Turkish National Urology Congress.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the publication rates of full-text journal articles converted from the abstracts presented in the 22(nd) Turkish National Urology Congress in 2012. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 576 abstracts accepted for presentation at the 22(nd) Turkish National Urology Association Meeting were identified from the published abstract book. The abstracts were categorized into subsections such as endourology and pediatric urology. The subsequent publication rate for the studies was evaluated by scanning PubMed Medline. Abstracts published before the proceedings were excluded from the study. RESULTS: The abstracts were categorized as being presented orally (n=155), by poster (n=421), or by video (n=78). Of the 28 (18.3%) of 155 oral and 34 (8.15%) of 421 poster presentations, were subsequently published in several journals until March 2015. The publication rates of the abstracts based on urology subsections were as follows: neurology (25%), andrology (18.6%), endourology (17.2%), urolithiasis (15.3%), general urology (12.5%), infectious diseases (7.14%), pediatric urology (6.25%), uro-gynecology (6.06%), reconstructive urology (5.8%), and urooncology (3.8%). The average time to publication was 11.77 (0-33) months. CONCLUSION: This is the first study assessing the publication rates of abstracts presented at a Turkish National Urology Congress. It reveals that more qualified randomized studies need to be done to improve the rate of publication.

Comparison of Anesthesia Methods in Treatment of Staghorn Kidney Stones with Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and safety of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) in the treatment of staghorn calculi (SC) under spinal anesthesia (SA) versus general anesthesia (GA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with SC who treated with PNL from 2011 to 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. In total, 100 patients were divided into 2 groups according to anesthesia type: SA (group 1, n = 47) and GA (group 2, n = 53). Demographics, perioperative parameters, and postoperative analgesic requirements were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in terms of age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, body mass index, or stone size between the two groups (P = .40, .30, .18, .20, and .50, respectively). The mean procedure times were 84.7 and 87.5 min in the SA and GA groups, respectively (P = .68). The complication rates were similar in the SA and GA groups (19.1% vs. 13.2%, respectively; P = .421). The stone-free rates were also similar in the SA and GA groups (61.7% vs. 52.8%, respectively; P = .374). No statistically significant difference was found in analgesic requirements. CONCLUSION: SA is a safe method without the risks of GA and may be used for conditions in which GA is contraindicated or in patients with concerns about GA. Our outcomes indicated that SC can be treated safely and effectively under SA.

Comparison of microperc and mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy for medium-sized lower calyx stones.

The objective of this study was to present the outcomes of comparative clinical study of microperc versus mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mini-PNL) in the treatment of lower calyx stones of 10-20 mm. Patients with lower calyx stones treated with microperc (Group-1) or mini-PNL (Group-2) between 2011 and 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Demographics of the patients were compared, including age, gender, BMI, stone size, laterality and procedural parameters (operation and fluoroscopy time), and outcomes (success and complication rates). A total of 98 patients were evaluated, assigned to Group-1 (n = 58) and to Group-2 (n = 40). Groups were statistically similar in terms of age, stone size, and BMI (p = 0.3, 0.07, 0.6, respectively). The mean procedure and fluoroscopy duration for Group-1 were 43.02 ± 27.98 min and 112.05 ± 72.5 s, and 52.25 ± 23.09 min and 138.53 ± 56.39 s in Group-2 (p = 0.006 and 0.006). The mean hematocrit drop was significantly higher in Group-2 compared to Group-1 (3.98 vs. 1.96%; p < 0.001); however, none of the cases required blood transfusion. Overall complication rates exhibited no statistically significant difference (p = 0.57). Stone-free status was similar (86.2 vs. 82.5%, p = 0.66). The tubeless procedure rate was significantly higher in Group-1 (p < 0.001). In Group-2, duration of hospitalization was significantly longer than in Group-1 (2.63 vs. 1.55 days; p < 0.01). Outcomes of the present retrospective study show that microperc is a treatment option for medium-sized lower calyx stone, being associated with lower blood loss, procedure, reduced fluoroscopy and hospitalization time, and a higher tubeless rate.

Which factors affect the hospital re-admission and re-hospitalization after flexible ureterorenoscopy for kidney stone?

PURPOSE: To investigate patient- and procedure-related factors associated with hospital re-admission (HR) and re-hospitalization following flexible ureteroscopy (f-URS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The records of patients who underwent f-URS for renal stones in two reference centers between 2011 and 2015 were examined retrospectively. Patients who were re-admitted to the hospital or re-hospitalized for any reason within 30 days after hospital discharge related to the f-URS procedure were evaluated. The patient- and procedure-related factors affecting the re-admission and re-hospitalization rates were revealed using backward stepwise multiple binary logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The study included 647 patients with a mean age of 46.1 ± 13.7 years. The mean BMI was 27.3 ± 4.6 kg/m(2), and the median ASA score was 1.85. The mean stone diameter was 14.2 ± 5.3 mm. The mean operation and fluoroscopy times were 50.2 ± 16.9 min and 43.1 ± 37.6 s, respectively. The mean hospitalization time was 1.42 ± 0.84 days, and the complication rate was 12.8 % (83/647). Overall, 523 (80.3 %) patients became stone-free, while residual fragments <4 mm were detected in 73 (11.3 %) patients. The procedure failed in 7.9 % of the cases. While 82 (12.7 %) patients were re-admitted, 31 (4.8 %) patients were re-hospitalized for further treatment. Stone-free status was an independent predictor of HR, while the stone-free status, hospitalization time, and postoperative complications all predicted re-hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: We found that inability to achieve stone-free status predicted HR and re-hospitalization, while postoperative complication and prolonged hospitalization also predicted re-hospitalization.

Comparison of miniaturized percutaneous nephrolithotomy and flexible ureterorenoscopy for the management of 10-20 mm renal stones in obese patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare effectivity and safety of flexible ureteroscopy (F-URS) and mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mPNL) for 10-20 mm renal stones in obese patients. METHODS: Between 2012 and 2015, charts of patients who were treated with F-URS or mPNL for 10-20 mm kidney stone(s) were analyzed. Patients with BMI > 30 kg/m(2) were enrolled into the study. Total of 315 patients were treated with mPNL, and 56 patients were matched our inclusion criteria. In the same period, F-URS was performed in 669 patients, and 157 of them had 10-20 mm kidney stones, and their BMI values were >30 kg/m(2). The patients were retrospectively matched at a 1:1 ratio to index F-URS-mPNL cases with respect to the patient age, gender, ASA score, BMI and size, number, and location of stone. RESULTS: Gender, age, BMI, stone size, stone number, location of stone(s), and ASA scores were similar between groups. The mean operation time was significantly longer in mPNL group (p: 0.021). However, the mean fluoroscopy time was similar (p: 0.270). Hemoglobin drop requiring blood transfusion and angioembolization was performed in two and one patients after mPNL, respectively. Overall complication rate was significantly higher in mPNL group than F-URS group (30.3 vs. 5.3 %, p: 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that both F-URS and mPNL achieve acceptable stone-free rates in obese patients with 10-20 mm renal stones. However, complication rates were significantly lower in F-URS group.

Factors affecting hospital readmission and rehospitalization following percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

PURPOSE: To identify patient- and procedure-related factors that increase the risk of hospital readmission and emergency room (ER) visits after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients with kidney stones treated via PNL in two tertiary referral hospitals between 2008 and 2014. Patient demographics including age, body mass indices, ASA score, stone size, presence of anatomic abnormality and comorbidity, operative and postoperative measures, and ER visit and rehospitalization rates were reviewed. Unplanned readmission to the hospital, including elective, and ER visits due to any reason related to the PNL procedure were primarily examined. The factors affecting ER visit and rehospitalization rate were analyzed using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 1024 patients (mean age 46.57 years) were enrolled into the study. Mean stone size was 28.5 mm. Stone-free status was achieved in 81.7 % of the procedures. Complications occurred at a rate of 6.44 % in the postoperative period. ER visit and rehospitalization rates were 5.76 and 5.27 %, respectively. While stone complexity, anatomic abnormalities, and postoperative course were found to be factors affecting ER visit, postoperative course and hospitalization time were main predictors for rehospitalization rate. CONCLUSIONS: Our outcomes demonstrate that patients, who had an anatomic abnormality and complex kidney stone, were more likely to have an unplanned hospital readmission. Patients with a history of perioperative and/or postoperative complication seem to have a tendency to unplanned readmission and rehospitalization.