Search

To compare the success and complications of ultra-mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (UPNL) and standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy (SPNL) techniques. We prospectively analyzed 50 patients who underwent SPNL, and 47 patients who underwent UPNL. The patients with a stone size equal to or smaller than 25 mm and we used flipping a coin as the randomization technique. The mean stone size was 20.9 ± 3.6 mm in SPNL, and 20.3 ± 3.0 mm in ultra-mini PNL groups. Stone free rates were 88 % (44/50 patients) and 89.3 % (42/47 patients) in SPNL and UPNL groups, respectively, without any significant difference in between (p = 0.33). No major complications were seen in the UPNL group. PNL has been modified into micro PNL and UPNL parallel to the technological advances to decrease the complications of PNL. When performed as we do UPNL may be an alternative method to SPNL without any additional smaller-calibred nephroscope and with a similar high success rate.

To compare the outcomes in patients who have been treated with flexible ureterorenoscopy (f-URS) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) in managing stone-bearing caliceal diverticula. Between April 2007 and October 2013, we performed a retrospective analysis of 54 evaluable patients (28 women and 26 men) with symptomatic stone-bearing caliceal diverticula, who underwent PNL (n = 29) or F-URS (n = 25) in four referral hospitals in Turkey. The groups were compared with respect to demographics, stone location/size, success rate, stone-free status, symptom-free status, complication rates, and hospital stay. The average stone burden preoperatively was significantly larger in patients who were treated with PNL, with the average size for f-URS being 154 ± 77 mm(2) and that for PNL being 211 ± 97 mm(2) (p = 0.023). Symptom-free rates, success rates, stone-free rates and clinically insignificant residual fragments were similar between the groups (p = 0.880 vs. p = 0.537 vs. p = 0.539, and p = 0.877, respectively). There was no statistical difference between the groups for minor complications (p = 0.521) but no major complication (Clavien III-V) occured in the f-URS group; although there were three major complications (10.3 %) (Clavien III) in the PNL group (p < 0.001). Hospitalization time per patient was 1.04 ± 0.20 days in the f-URS group, while it was 3.86 ± 1.94 days in the PNL group (p < 0.001). Even though this study clearly shows that both techniques have high overall success and symptom-free rates with similar complication rates for stone-bearing calyceal diverticulum, major complication rates may suggest consideration of the invasiveness of PNL. The f-URS procedure is advantageous with respect to a shorter hospital stay and absence of major complications. Therefore, it should be emphasized that the location of the stone and diverticula is an important factor for the selection of the procedure.

To compare success and complication rates of shock wave lithotripsy (SWL), flexible ureterorenoscopy (F-URS) and percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PNL) according to modified clavien grading system of renal pelvis stones between 1 and 2 cm. The results of 149 patients were evaluated retrospectively. Patients were divided into three groups as 52 for SWL, 47 for F-URS and 50 for PNL. Complications were evaluated by modified Clavien grading system. In the first group, stone-free rates after a mean of 2, 6 sessions was 86 % (45/52). In Group 2, this ratio was 91.4 % (43/47), and in Group 3, it was 98 % (49/50). The success rate in Group 3 was significantly higher than other groups. Complication rates for Group 1, 2 and 3 were 7.6 % (4/52), 6.3 % (3/47) and 12 % (6/50), respectively. Although PNL was the most successful technique compared with other techniques, complications were also higher in this group. Even though PNL is the most successful, it should be performed for selected patient groups and indications should be carefully evaluated.

In this study, we aimed to compare the success and complications of flexible ureterorenoscopy (F-URS) with its advanced technology and the accomplished method of shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) in the treatment of lower pole stones smaller than 1 cm. One hundred and forty patients were randomized as 70 undergoing SWL (Group 1) and 70 undergoing F-URS (Group 2). Patients were evaluated by plain X-ray and urinary ultrasound 1 week and after 3 months following SWL. The same procedure was done for F-URS patients 1 week after surgery and after 3 months. Success rates were established the day following the procedure and after 3 months. Fragmentation less than 3 mm was considered success. Mean operative time was 44 ± 7.4 min for Group 2 and mean fluoroscopy duration was 51 ± 12 s. In F-URS group, all the patients were stone free after 3 months (100 %). Group 1 had 2.7 ± 0.4 sessions of SWL. Sixty-four patients were stone free in that group after 3 months (91.5 %). The procedure yielded significant success in FURS group, even though patients underwent SWL for 2.7 ± 0.4 sessions and F-URS for 1 session (p < 0.05). With higher success and similar complication rates, fewer sessions per treatment, and advances in technology and experience, we believe F-URS has a potential to be the first treatment option over SWL in the future.