Electroacupuncture combined with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is beneficial for the expulsion of ureteral calculi: a prospective randomized trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture (EA) combined with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in treating ureteral calculi. METHODS: This prospective randomized controlled trial included 207 patients with ureteral calculi who were randomly allocated to an experimental group that underwent EA plus ESWL (n = 95) and a control group that underwent only ESWL (n = 112). Imaging examinations were performed at 1, 2, and 4 weeks after the operation, followed by comparing the stone-clearance rate, time to first stone expulsion, and incidence of major complications between the two groups. RESULTS: The stone-clearance rates at 1 (59.1 vs. 37%, P = 0.002), 2 (86.4 vs. 59.3%, P = 0.000), and 4 (90.9 vs. 77.8%, P = 0.013) weeks after the operation in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group. The time to first stone expulsion in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group (1.29 ± 1.55 vs. 2.45 ± 3.11 days, respectively; P = 0.001). However, we found no difference in the incidence of major complications between the two groups (15.9 vs. 17.6%, P = 0.754). CONCLUSION: EA-assisted ESWL significantly improved stone clearance and shortened the time to stone expulsion without elevating the complication risk. However, a large-scale multicenter, prospective study is required to corroborate our conclusions.

Curative effect of Shuotong ureteroscopy combined with flexible ureteroscope in the treatment of 2-3 cm lower calyceal calculi / 国际外科学杂志

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of Shuotong ureteroscope combined with flexible ureteroscope in the treatment of 2-3 cm lower calyceal calculi, and analyze the influencing factors.Methods:A total of 102 patients with lower calyceal calculi were treated in the Second People′s Hospital of Yulin from February 2019 to December 2022, and they were divided into the observation group and the control group, with 51 cases in each group. The patients of the observation group were treated with Shuotong ureteroscope combined with flexible ureteroscope, while the patients of the control group were treated with flexible ureteroscope. According to whether the stones were completely removed after operation, all patients were divided into non-stone removal group ( n=13) and stone removal group ( n=89). The operation time, hospitalization time, lithotripsy time, intraoperative blood loss, complication rate and stone clearance rate were compared between the observation group and the control group. Generalized Estimation Equation was used to analyze and evaluate the effects of treatment time, treatment scheme and their interaction on visual analogue scale (VAS), white blood cell (WBC), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), blood creatinine (Cr), hemoglobin (HGB) and procalcitonin (PCT). Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression were used to analyze the risk factors of stone removal rate. Nomogram model was constructed based on risk factors and evaluate the model. Results:Compared with the control group, operation time [(118.72±9.61) min vs (136.65±11.27) min], hospitalization stay [(6.43±1.12) d vs (10.29±2.23) d] and the lithotripsy time [ (51.23±10.38) min vs (56.62±11.43) min] of the observation group were shorter, and the amount of intraoperative blood loss [(128.52±10.20) mL vs (157.53±15.31) mL] were significantly less than those of the control group ( P< 0.05). The results of Generalized Estimation Equation analysis showed that treatment time, treatment regimen and their interaction had significant effects on WBC, HGB, BUN, Cr, PCT and VAS ( P< 0.05). Compared with the control group, the incidence of complications (5.88% vs 19.61%) of the observation group was lower and the stone clearance rate ( 94.12% vs 80.39%) was significantly higher than those in the control group ( P< 0.05). The mode of operation, infundibulopelvic angle(IPA), caliceal pelvic height (CPH) and the maximum diameter of stones were all influencing factors of stone removal rate in patients with 2-3 cm lower calyceal calculi. The nomogram model constructed in this study has good differentiation, calibration and clinical practicability, and can better identify high-risk patients with incomplete removal of 2-3 cm lower calyceal calculi. Conclusions:Shuotong ureteroscope combined with flexible ureteroscope is a safe, effective method for the treatment of 2-3 cm lower calyceal calculi. It has the advantages of simple operation, less intraoperative bleeding, less postoperative complications and high stone clearance rate. IPA, CPH, the maximum diameter of calculi and the mode of operation were all independent factors affecting the stone clearance rate of 2-3 cm lower calyceal calculi. The nomogram model constructed in this study can well identify the high-risk patients with incomplete clearance of 2-3 cm lower calyceal calculi.

A Prospective Evaluation of the Association of Ureteral Wall Thickness With Intraoperative Stone Impaction in Ureteroscopy.

Background and objective In this study, we aimed to analyze the association of ureteral wall thickness (UWT) measured on non-contrast CT (NCCT) with stone impaction as found in ureteroscopy (URS). Materials and methods We analyzed 43 patients who underwent URS and pneumatic/laser lithotripsy for ureteric stones from May to November 2022. The UWT was measured by an experienced radiologist on NCCT. Clinical predictors of the impacted stone were calculated by univariate and multivariate regression analysis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was calculated for the UWT cutoff to apply it for impaction with different parameters. We also evaluated the association of intra- and postoperative parameters of the two groups with UWT. Results Out of the 43 patients with stones, 26 (60.46%) patients had impacted stones. Univariate analysis was used to analyze the site (left-sided stone impacted more commonly), stone size, stone density [Hounsfield unit (HU)], hydronephrosis, UWT, and duration between initial presentation and surgery, and multivariate analysis was utilized to assess stone density, as well as UWT's association with impacted stones. The ROC curve showed a cutoff of 3.5 mm for UWT with an accuracy of 0.83. High UWT (≥3.5 mm) was associated with a significantly lower stone-free rate, more complications, and mean operative time as compared to low UWT (<3.5 mm) (p<0.05). Conclusion Based on our findings, high UWT is associated with high rates of impacted stones and a lower stone-free rate when compared to low UWT.

An Observational Pilot Study on Supine Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: Initial Experience at a Single-Centre.

Objective To assess the surgical outcome of supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in patients with co-morbidities. Materials and methods We retrospectively reviewed the data of 15 patients who underwent supine PCNL at our centre from September 2019 to May 2021. Preoperatively, a complete examination of the patients, along with biochemical and radiological investigations, was done. The data, which included patient demographics, comorbidities, complexity of renal calculi, complications, and stone clearance rate, were collected from the patients' medical records. Results Patients aged between 31 and 70 years were included in the study. The mean (SD) BMI was 26.01 (2.31). Twelve patients (80%) were overweight with a BMI of 25.3 to 29.3 kg/m2. The most common comorbidities were diabetes (33.3%) and hypertension (26.7%). In our study, six patients were American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade 3 (40%), followed by grade 2 in five patients (33.3%), grade 4, and grade 1 in two patients (13.3%) each. The Guy's Stone score was one in nine patients (60%) and two in six patients (40%). Complete clearance was achieved in 13 (86.7%) patients. Two patients (13.3%) had a stone clearance of more than 80%. Data analysis showed that 14 patients (93.3%) had no perioperative complications. Postoperative abdominal distension was noted in one patient (6.7%), which was managed conservatively (Clavien-Dindo grade 1). We did not encounter any cases of organ injury following supine PCNL. Postoperatively, none of our patients received blood transfusions. Conclusion Our study shows that supine PCNL is a good surgical option, especially for high-risk patients with good stone clearance and low complication rates.

Efficacy of flexible vacuum aspiration ureteral access sheath for renal and upper ureteral calculi / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the safety and efficacy of flexible vacuum aspiration ureteral access sheath in ureteroscopic lithotripsy in the treatment of renal and upper ureteral calculi. 【Methods】 Clinical data of 41 cases treated in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed, including 20 cases treated with flexible vacuum aspiration ureteral access sheath (experimental group), and 21 cases treated with traditional ureteral access sheath (control group). The stone-clearance rate, operation time, postoperative fever (T>37.5 ℃), length of hospital stay and hospitalization costs were compared between the two groups. 【Results】 All operations were successful. The experimental group had significantly shorter operation time than the control group [(54.0±19.8) min vs. (76.6±20.1) min, P0.05). 【Conclusion】 Flexible vacuum aspiration ureteral access sheath in flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy can shorten the operation time, improve stone-clearance rate and reduce incidence of postoperative fever, which is worth promoting.

Efficacy and safety of partial tubeless versus standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the treatment of upper urinary tract calculi / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To compare the efficacy and safety between partial tubeless and standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the treatment of upper urinary tract calculi. 【Methods】 The clinical data of 802 patients with upper urinary tract calculi treated at our hospital during Jun.2018 and Dec.2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into the partial tubeless group and standard group, and 60 cases in either group were selected by a simple random method. Clinical data, complications and stone-free rate were compared between the two groups. 【Results】 All 120 patients completed the operation successfully. The postoperative hospital stay, pain score and postoperative recovery of the partial tubeless group were significantly superior to those of the standard group (P0.05). 【Conclusion】 In the treatment of upper urinary tract calculi, partial tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy can achieve satisfactory surgical results, and has obvious advantages in postoperative recovery and patients’ experience. It is worthy of clinical application.

Ureteroscopy Outcome and Its Determinants in a Resource-Limited Setting.

Background: Ureteroscopy is a major diagnostic and therapeutic technique for lesions of the ureter and intrarenal collecting system. Methods: A retrospective chart review was done at St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College, Ethiopia to determine the outcome of ureteroscopy and factors affecting it. The study period was from January 2018 to April 2018. Multivariate analysis was done to determine factors affecting stone clearance and success rate. Result: One hundred six patients who underwent semirigid ureteroscopy were included in the study. The male-to-female ratio was 1.8:1. The mean age of the patients was 36.4 years (±12.6). Ninety-six (90.6%) patients were found to have ureteric stones, while 9(8.5%) patients had a ureteric stricture. Ureteroscopy therapeutic interventions for stones were successful in 89 (92.7%) patients. The mean procedure time and postoperative hospital stay were 44 minutes (±23.7) and 2.5 days (±2.5) respectively. Intraoperative complications (ureteric avulsion, hemorrhage, and ureteral perforations) occurred in 6(5.7%) patients. The stone clearance rate was 54.7% (52). The site of obstruction was passed in 93 patients making the success rate of the procedure 87.7%. The absence of intraoperative complications was significantly associated with success rate. Patients with intraoperative complications have low success rate (20%) compared to patients without complications (92.3%), p=0.42. Conclusions: Semirigid ureteroscopy had a good success rate, especially for stones in the distal ureter and if there is no flexible ureteroscope, it is an acceptable alternative.

Is there a place for extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) in the endoscopic era?

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate whether there was still a place for ESWL therapy in the endourological era. From 1988 to 2018, ESWL therapy was performed with 3 successive types of lithotripters in our hospital. From 1988 to 1998, the electrohydraulic lithotripter NS-15 was used, and the electromagnetic lithotripter HK-V was put to use in 1999. Since 2010, the electromagnetic lithotripter HK-Vm has been used. Over the 30-year period, 16,969 urolithiasis patients underwent ESWL therapy, including 124 paediatric cases and 178 special cases. The stone clearance rate (SCR) and postoperative complications in the 3 lithotripter groups were recorded and analysed. The SCR was estimated by ultrasonography or plain X-ray, while the complications were recorded by the modified Clavien grading system. The primary stone clearance rate (pSCR) of ureteral and renal stones was significantly improved in the HK-Vm group compared with the NS-15 and HK-V groups. The final stone clearance rate (fSCR) of lower calyx stones was considerably higher in the HK-Vm group (55.9%) than in the NS-15 (41.1%) and HK-V (44.1%) groups. Most complications were grade I and II, while the incidence of grade III and above complications was less than 3%. Additionally, the fSCR in paediatric and special cases ranged from 66.5% to 83.5%, with no record of severe complications. As our data showed, ESWL was effective and safe for most urolithiasis patients, including paediatric patients and special cases. Therefore, ESWL is still the major treatment option in the current endourological era.

Ureteroscopy Outcome and Its Determinants in a Resource-Limited Setting

Ureteroscopy is a major diagnostic and therapeutic technique for lesions of the ureter and intrarenal collecting system. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was done at St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College, Ethiopia to determine the outcome of ureteroscopy and factors affecting it. The study period was from January 2018 to April 2018. Multivariate analysis was done to determine factors affecting stone clearance and success rate. RESULT: One hundred six patients who underwent semirigid ureteroscopy were included in the study. The male-to-female ratio was 1.8:1. The mean age of the patients was 36.4 years (±12.6). Ninety-six (90.6%) patients were found to have ureteric stones, while 9(8.5%) patients had a ureteric stricture. Ureteroscopy therapeutic interventions for stones were successful in 89 (92.7%) patients. The mean procedure time and postoperative hospital stay were 44 minutes (±23.7) and 2.5 days (±2.5) respectively. Intraoperative complications (ureteric avulsion, hemorrhage, and ureteral perforations) occurred in 6(5.7%) patients. The stone clearance rate was 54.7% (52). The site of obstruction was passed in 93 patients making the success rate of the procedure 87.7%. The absence of intraoperative complications was significantly associated with success rate. Patients with intraoperative complications have low success rate (20%) compared to patients without complications (92.3%), p=0.42. CONCLUSION: Semirigid ureteroscopy had a good success rate, especially for stones in the distal ureter and if there is no flexible ureteroscope, it is an acceptable alternative

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration for patients with a history of prior biliary surgery: a comparative study with an open approach.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) is increasingly being used to treat choledocholithiasis. However, few studies have examined the treatment of recurrent common bile duct stones (CBDS) in patients with a history of prior biliary surgery. The current research aimed to compare the outcomes of laparoscopic versus open common bile duct exploration in patients with a history of prior biliary surgery. METHODS: Between March 2010 and August 2019, 162 patients with recurrent CBDS after prior biliary surgery who underwent surgical management in our institution were enrolled in this study. The demographic, intraoperative and postoperative data were retrospectively analysed. RESULTS: Among these 162 patients, 72 underwent laparoscopic approach (LCBDE group), and 90 underwent open surgery (open common bile duct exploration group). The LCBDE group was associated with significantly lower overall complication rate, incision infection rate and blood loss compared to open common bile duct exploration group (all P < 0.05). Moreover, the laparoscopic approach significantly reduced the length of postoperative hospital stay (P < 0.05). However, the operative time, stone clearance rate, and stone recurrence rate were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05). The conversion rate of the laparoscopic approach was 6.9%. CONCLUSIONS: LCBDE is superior to open procedure in terms of blood loss, hospital stay, overall complication and incision infection in patients with a history of prior biliary surgery, and it should be considered as a safe and effective treatment if it is performed by an experienced surgeon.

Outcomes of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) after failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography versus primary LCBDE for managing cholecystocholedocholithiasis.

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to compare the outcomes of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) after failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) versus primary LCBDE for managing cholecystocholedocholithiasis. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from 59 patients who underwent LCBDE during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for managing cholecystocholedocholithiasis from January 2013 to August 2019. The patients underwent either primary LCBDE plus LC (Group I) or LCBDE plus LC after failed ERCP (Group II). The demographics, reason for ERCP failure, perioperative details, and postoperative outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: CBD stone removal using preoperative ERCP failed in 31 patients (Group II) because of remaining stones after ERCP (n = 9), failed cannulation (n = 6), failed sedation (n = 6), a periampullary diverticulum (n = 5), previous Billroth II gastrectomy (n = 3), a huge stone (n = 1), and an impacted stone (n = 1). The CBD stone clearance rate was >96% in both groups. The mean operative time, hospital stay, overall complication rate, and open conversion rate were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: When extraction of CBD stones by ERCP is likely to be difficult or fail, primary LCBDE is an acceptable alternative treatment for managing cholecystocholedocholithiasis.