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PURPOSE To investigate the safety and efficacy of the imaging-guided percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) procedure in infants. METHODS A total of 75 (50 boys; 66.7%) patients with a mean age of 121 days (range, 1-351 days) who underwent PCN over a period of 20 years were included in this retrospective study. For each patient, PCN indications, catheter size, the mean duration of catheterization, complications, and the procedure performed following nephrostomy were recorded. Technical success was determined based on the successful placement of the nephrostomy catheter within the pelvicalyceal system. Clinical success was defined as the complete resolution of hydronephrosis and improvement in renal function tests during follow-up. In patients with urinary leakage, technical and clinical success was determined based on the resolution of leakage. RESULTS The technical success rate was 100%, and no procedure-related mortality was observed. In 11 patients (14.7%), bilateral PCN was performed. The most frequent indication of PCN was ureteropelvic junction obstruction (n = 41, 54.7%). Procedure-related major complications were encountered in two patients (methemoglobinemia and respiratory arrest caused by the local anesthetic agent in one patient and the development of urinoma caused by urinary leakage from the puncture site in the other). Mild urinary leakage was the only minor complication that occurred and only in one patient. Catheter-related complications were managed through replacement or revision surgery in 16 patients (21.3%). CONCLUSION Imaging-guided PCN is a feasible and effective procedure with high technical success and low major complication rates, and it is useful for protecting kidney function in infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: To investigate the safety and efficacy of the imaging-guided percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) procedure in infants. METHODS: A total of 75 (50 boys; 66.7%) patients with a mean age of 121 days (range, 1–351 days) who underwent PCN over a period of 20 years were included in this retrospective study. For each patient, PCN indications, catheter size, the mean duration of catheterization, complications, and the procedure performed following nephrostomy were recorded. Technical success was determined based on the successful placement of the nephrostomy catheter within the pelvicalyceal system. Clinical success was defined as the complete resolution of hydronephrosis and improvement in renal function tests during follow-up. In patients with urinary leakage, technical and clinical success was determined based on the resolution of leakage. RESULTS: The technical success rate was 100%, and no procedure-related mortality was observed. In 11 patients (14.7%), bilateral PCN was performed. The most frequent indication of PCN was ureteropelvic junction obstruction (n = 41, 54.7%). Procedure-related major complications were encountered in two patients (methemoglobinemia and respiratory arrest caused by the local anesthetic agent in one patient and the development of urinoma caused by urinary leakage from the puncture site in the other). Mild urinary leakage was the only minor complication that occurred and only in one patient. Catheter-related complications were managed through replacement or revision surgery in 16 patients (21.3%). CONCLUSION: Imaging-guided PCN is a feasible and effective procedure with high technical success and low major complication rates, and it is useful for protecting kidney function in infants.

Urinoma (collection of urine) formation secondary to extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is one of the rare complications encountered postprocedure and co-existence of urinoma with steinstrasse is a rare and challenging scenario to manage in the setting of obstructive uropathy. ESWL is known for being noninvasive for breaking kidney and ureteric stones. Urinoma is a collection of urine outside the collecting system in the retroperitoneum or perirenal space. Early detection and management are necessary to prevent complications related to urinoma and steinstrasse. This case report is about a patient who developed urinoma and steinstrasse in the setting of obstructive uropathy after sessions of ESWL on the right side and was managed with a nephrostomy tube and trans-ureteral lithotripsy on the right side and percutaneous nephrolithotomy on the left side after 1 month.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of interventional radiological (IR) procedures in iatrogenic urinary tract injury and investigate the factors affecting the outcome. METHODS: Fifty-eight patients (21 male) with a mean age of 50.3 ± 15.8 years referred for iatrogenic urinary tract injury were enrolled in this study. Technical success was defined as (i) successful placement of a nephrostomy catheter within the renal pelvis and/or (ii) successful antegrade ureteral stent placement (double J stent) between the renal pelvis and bladder lumen. Complete resolution was defined as maintained ureteral patency without an external drain and ureteral stent. The factors that may affect complete resolution [ureteral avulsion, ureterovaginal fistula (UVF), history of malignancy/radiotherapy, and time to IR management] were also investigated. The receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to estimate the cut-off time point for the IR management timing affecting complete resolution. RESULTS: The technical success rate for nephrostomy and ureteral stent placement was 100% (n = 58/58) and 78% (n = 28/36), respectively. In 14 patients, non-dilated pelvicalyceal systems were evident. In 18 patients, no further intervention after percutaneous nephrostomy was performed due to (i) poor performance status (n = 6) and (ii) reconstruction surgery upon clinicians’ and/or patients’ request (n = 12). Reconstruction surgery was required in 11 of the remaining 40 patients due to failure of percutaneous treatment (n = 11/40, 27.5%). In six of the patients, ureteral stents could not be removed due to the development of benign ureteral strictures (n = 6/40, 15%). Our complete resolution rate was 57.5% (n = 23/40). Age, gender, type of surgery (endoscopic or open), side and location of the injury did not statistically affect the complete resolution rate. The presence of ureteral avulsion, history of malignancy and radiotherapy individually or in combination significantly affected the complete resolution rate negatively. The presence of UVF also had a negative effect on the complete resolution rate; however, it did not reach statistical significance. Delayed intervention was also a significant factor related to lower complete resolution. The optimal cut-off point of the time interval for favorable clinical outcome was found to be 0–19th day following the surgery. CONCLUSION: IR procedures are safe and effective in the management of iatrogenic urinary tract injuries. Antegrade ureteral stenting should be performed as soon as possible to establish ureteral integrity without the development of stricture.

Objective To analyze the factors influencing poor recovery of renal function in patients with severe unilateral hydronephrosis after relief of obstruction， providing evidence for predicting the recovery of renal function. Methods Clinical data of 55 patients with severe unilateral hydronephrosis and glomerular filtration rate （GFR） < 10 mL/min admitted to Tungwah Hospital from 2015 to 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent percutaneous nephrostomy for temporary relief of the obstruction. Based on the recovery of renal function， all patients were divided into the recovery group and non-recovery group， and the factors influencing renal function recovery after nephrostomy were collected and analyzed. Results Among 55 patients treated with percutaneous nephrostomy for severe hydronephrosis， renal function was recovered in 30 cases （54.5%）， and poor recovery in 25 cases （45.5%）. Univariate analysis showed no significant differences in terms of gender， side， body mass index （BMI）， history of diabetes mellitus， history of hypertension， pre-nephrostomy GFR， and urinary pH of the affected kidney between the recovery and non-recovery groups （all P > 0.05）. However， there were significant differences in age， renal parenchymal thickness， ratio of GFR of the affected kidney to total GFR， presence of renal infection， and post-nephrostomy urinary output of the affected kidney between two groups （all P < 0.05）. Further multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that a pre-nephrostomy ratio of GFR of the affected kidney to total GFR （OR=0.24， 95%CI 0.06-0.98） and a post-nephrostomy urinary output of the affected kidney （OR=0.04， 95%CI 0.01-0.25） were the independent influencing factors of poor recovery of renal function after nephrostomy. Conclusions Partial patients with severe unilateral hydronephrosis and a GFR

Introduction: Multiple factors predict the recoverability of renal function post percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) in obstructive uropathy. The aim is to ascertain parameters with significant predictive value to aid in the stratification of patients requiring urgent PCN. Materials and methods: A retrospective study over a period of 5 years between January 2016 till January 2021 was conducted in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC) involving a total of 217 patients who underwent image guided PCN that met the inclusion criteria. The pre-intervention renal imaging, biochemical parameters and the post-intervention serum creatinine were obtained and respective estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) calculated. Patients with post-intervention serum creatinine of less than 130 umol/L and eGFR of more than 60 were categorized as patients with good renal recovery. Subsequently, the significance of each parameter with good renal recovery was analysed. Results: There is significant correlation between the absence of chronic kidney disease and renal parenchymal disease, level of obstruction, age, renal size, hemoglobin, pre-intervention serum creatinine and eGFR with good renal recovery on bivariate analysis. However, only the absence of renal parenchymal disease, renal size of more than 11.2cm (S.D: 7.2 - 23.8) and pre-intervention eGFR of more than 23.0 (S.D: 2.2 - 168.0) remained statistically significant on multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Previous healthy kidneys with good size and function proves to be statistically significant in achieving the best recoverability which are applicable in stratification of PCN requests. A prospective study of a wider population will yield a farther accurate and generally pertinent result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE To evaluate the efficacy of interventional radiological (IR) procedures in iatrogenic urinary tract injury and investigate the factors affecting the outcome. METHODS Fifty-eight patients (21 male) with a mean age of 50.3 ± 15.8 years referred for iatrogenic urinary tract injury were enrolled in this study. Technical success was defined as (i) successful placement of a nephrostomy catheter within the renal pelvis and/or (ii) successful antegrade ureteral stent placement (double J stent) between the renal pelvis and bladder lumen. Complete resolution was defined as maintained ureteral patency without an external drain and ureteral stent. The factors that may affect complete resolution [ureteral avulsion, ureterovaginal fistula (UVF), history of malignancy/ radiotherapy, and time to IR management] were also investigated. The receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to estimate the cut-off time point for the IR management timing affecting complete resolution. RESULTS The technical success rate for nephrostomy and ureteral stent placement was 100% (n = 58/58) and 78% (n = 28/36), respectively. In 14 patients, non-dilated pelvicalyceal systems were evident. In 18 patients, no further intervention after percutaneous nephrostomy was performed due to (i) poor performance status (n = 6) and (ii) reconstruction surgery upon clinicians' and/or patients' request (n = 12). Reconstruction surgery was required in 11 of the remaining 40 patients due to failure of percutaneous treatment (n = 11/40, 27.5%). In six of the patients, ureteral stents could not be removed due to the development of benign ureteral strictures (n = 6/40, 15%). Our complete resolution rate was 57.5% (n = 23/40). Age, gender, type of surgery (endoscopic or open), side and location of the injury did not statistically affect the complete resolution rate. The presence of ureteral avulsion, history of malignancy and radiotherapy individually or in combination significantly affected the complete resolution rate negatively. The presence of UVF also had a negative effect on the complete resolution rate; however, it did not reach statistical significance. Delayed intervention was also a significant factor related to lower complete resolution. The optimal cut-off point of the time interval for favorable clinical outcome was found to be 0--19th day following the surgery. CONCLUSION IR procedures are safe and effective in the management of iatrogenic urinary tract injuries. Antegrade ureteral stenting should be performed as soon as possible to establish ureteral integrity without the development of stricture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Percutaneous renal surgery, although much less invasive than other procedures, is subject to several complications, which can occur at any time during the course of treatment, starting from the performance of the minimal nephrostomy procedure. We present an extremely rare vascular complication of percutaneous nephrostomy represented by arteriovenous fistula that occurred in a 24-year-old patient known to have right ureteropelvic junction obstruction operated with the absence of double-J catheter permeability and grade II-III hydronephrosis for which minimal percutaneous nephrostomy was urgently fitted. The arteriovenous fistula was resolved by supraselective artery embolization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To analyze the factors influencing poor recovery of renal function in patients with severe unilateral hydronephrosis after relief of obstruction, providing evidence for predicting the recovery of renal function. Methods Clinical data of 55 patients with severe unilateral hydronephrosis and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) < 10 mL/min admitted to Tungwah Hospital from 2015 to 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent percutaneous nephrostomy for temporary relief of the obstruction. Based on the recovery of renal function, all patients were divided into the recovery group and non-recovery group, and the factors influencing renal function recovery after nephrostomy were collected and analyzed. Results Among 55 patients treated with percutaneous nephrostomy for severe hydronephrosis, renal function was recovered in 30 cases (54.5%), and poor recovery in 25 cases (45.5%). Univariate analysis showed no significant differences in terms of gender, side, body mass index (BMI), history of diabetes mellitus, history of hypertension, pre-nephrostomy GFR, and urinary pH of the affected kidney between the recovery and non-recovery groups (all P > 0.05). However, there were significant differences in age, renal parenchymal thickness, ratio of GFR of the affected kidney to total GFR, presence of renal infection, and post-nephrostomy urinary output of the affected kidney between two groups (all P<0.05). Further multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that a pre-nephrostomy ratio of GFR of the affected kidney to total GFR (OR=0.24, 95%CI 0.06-0.98) and a post-nephrostomy urinary output of the affected kidney (OR=0.04, 95%CI 0.01-0.25) were the independent influencing factors of poor recovery of renal function after nephrostomy. Conclusions Partial patients with severe unilateral hydronephrosis and a GFR <10 mL/min can obtain renal function recovery after temporary relief of obstruction via percutaneous nephrostomy. The pre-nephrostomy ratio of GFR of the affected kidney to total GFR <10% and post-nephrostomy urinary output of the affected kidney <400 mL/day are the independent influencing factors for poor recovery of renal function, which can guide clinicians in predicting renal outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: The European Association of Urology guidelines on urolithiasis highlight the limited evidence supporting the superiority of percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) over retrograde ureteral stent placement for the primary treatment of infected hydronephrosis secondary to urolithiasis. We, therefore, conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the effects of PCN and retrograde ureteral stent in patients with severe urinary tract infections secondary to obstructive urolithiasis. Materials and Methods: Meta-analyses were performed to compare four outcomes: time for the temperature to return to normal; time for the white blood cell (WBC) count to return to normal; hospital length of stay; and procedure success rate. After a full-text review, eight studies were identified as relevant and included in our systematic review and meta-analysis. Results: No significant difference was detected between PCN and retrograde ureteral stenting for the time for the temperature to return to normal (p = 0.13; mean difference [MD] = −0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI] = −1.69, 0.21; I2 = 96%) or the time for the WBC count to return to normal (p = 0.24; MD = 0.46; 95% CI = −0.30, 1.21; I2 = 85%). There was also no significant difference between methods for hospital length of stay (p = 0.78; MD = 0.45; 95% CI = −2.78, 3.68; I2 = 96%) or procedure success rate (p = 0.76; odds ratio = 0.86; 95% CI = 0.34, 2.20; I2 = 47%). Conclusions: The clinical outcomes related to efficacy did not differ between PCN and retrograde ureteral stenting for severe urinary tract infection with obstructive urolithiasis. Thus, the choice between procedures depends mainly on the urologist's or patient's preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Renal colic is the most common non-obstetric cause of abdominal pain during pregnancy and is associated with a higher risk of complications in these women. When invasive treatment is required, options are temporary drainage with ureteral stent (JJ) or percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN), or immediate definitive treatment with ureteroscopy (URS). Our goal was to review the safety and efficacy of these procedures in treating urolithiasis during pregnancy. Methods: Adhering to the PRISMA checklist guidelines, we searched PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases for articles on the efficacy and complications of the three procedures in pregnant women. The quality of evidence and risk of bias were evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme and the Institute of Health Economics tools. Results: We included 45 articles, totaling 3424 interventions in pregnant women - 2188 URS, 719 JJ, and 517 PCN. URS was the most assessed procedure, with stone-free rates comparable to the non-pregnant patients. The most frequent complications were lower urinary symptoms and infections independently of the intervention. Obstetric complications for all interventions included 167 cases of preterm labor, resulting in 24 premature births. No statistically significant differences in post-operative complications were reported between the procedures in the few comparative studies. Conclusions: Despite the absence of high-quality studies, current evidence suggests that URS, JJ, and PCN are all safe and effective during pregnancy. As most patients submitted to temporary drainage require a second procedure post-delivery, primary URS appears more efficient. Therefore, it is the preferred option unless there are indications for temporary drainage.

Giant Hydronephrosis (GH) is rare due to improved diagnostic modalities and the ready availability of abdominal imaging. Pelviureteric junction obstruction is the most common aetiology of GH, with abdominal mass or distension being the most common presentation. If GH is not detected early, it can lead to various complications. Authors report three cases of GH in adults who presented to the emergency department with complications. One patient had abdominal distension, while the other two presented with painful abdominal swelling and fever. Two of them were admitted with sepsis, and one had haematuria. Percutaneous Nephrostomy (PCN) catheters were placed in all three cases to decompress the calyceal system, and subsequently, nephrectomy was performed on all of them as the kidneys were not salvageable.

Objective: To assess if there is a preferable intervention between retrograde ureteral stent (RUS) and percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) tube, in cases of upper urinary tract stone obstruction with complications requiring urgent drainage, by evaluating outcomes regarding urinary symptoms, quality of life (QoL), spontaneous stone passage, and length of hospital stays, since there is no literature stating the superiority of one modality over the other. Methods: We searched MEDLINE and other sources for relevant articles in June 2019 without any date restrictions or filters applied. The selection was done first by the title and abstract screening and then by full-text assessment for eligibility. Only randomized controlled trials or cohort studies in patients with hydronephrosis secondary to obstructive urolithiasis that presented comparative data between PCN and RUS placement concerning at least one of the defined outcome measures were included. Lastly, MEDLINE database and PubMed platform were screened again using the same terms, from June 2019 until November 2022. Results: Of 556 initial articles, seven were included in this review. Most works were considered of moderate-to-high quality. Three studies regarding QoL showed a tendency against stenting, even though only one demonstrated statistically significant negative impact on overall health state. Two works reported significantly more post-intervention urinary symptoms in stenting patients. One article found that PCN is a significant predictor of spontaneous stone passage, when adjusted for stone size and location. Findings on length of hospital stays were not consistent among articles. Conclusion: PCN appears to be the intervention better tolerated, with less impact on the patient’s perceived QoL and less post-operative urinary symptoms, in comparison with RUS. Nevertheless, further studies with larger samples and a randomized controlled design are suggested.

This study assesses the impact of percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) presence on standard intended neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) quality, its related complications and outcome after radical cystectomy. We found that PCN-patients received less adequate NAC protocols, suffered from more infections and hospitalizations during the NAC period, with no difference in the postoperative outcomes after cystectomy. This finding may potentially lead to consideration of NAC avoidance and upfront cystectomy in PCN-patients. Introduction: Symptomatic hydronephrosis associated with muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) necessitates percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) insertion before neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). This study assesses the impact of PCN presence on standard intended NAC quality, its related complications and outcome after radical cystectomy (RC). Materials and Methods: The study comprises a retrospective, multicenter cohort of 193 consecutive RCs performed between 2016 and 2019. Eighty (42%) of these patients received NAC and were divided in 2 comparison groups by presence (n = 26; 33%) or absence (n = 54; 67%) of PCN. Endpoints included completion of adequate NAC treatment (cisplatin-based chemotherapy for at least 4 courses), complications during NAC, post-RC complications and hospital stay. Results: Overall, patients with PCN (45/193; 23%) featured a higher referral rate to NAC (58% vs. 36%, P = .01), worse glomerular filtration rates (P < .001) and more adverse events (P = .04), in comparison to non-PCN patients. In the NAC cohort, PCN patients had less adequate treatment rates (54% vs. 85%, P = .005), and more infections (35% vs, 7%; P = .008) and hospitalizations (58% vs. 13%; P < .001) during chemotherapy. Post-RC outcome was similar for both comparison groups. PCN was an independent risk factor for inadequate NAC (OR = 3.9, P = .04), and infections (OR = 11.3, P = .01) and hospitalizations (OR = 7.5, P = .004) during NAC. Conclusions: PCN in MIBC patients is a significant risk factor for inadequate NAC and adverse events during treatment. This finding may quire the rationale of NAC, potentially leading to consideration of NAC avoidance and upfront RC in PCN patients. Further survival studies with long follow-up are needed for elucidating this issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obstructive uropathy encompasses various urinary tract obstructions, leading to changes in urine flow, kidney pressure, and impaired kidney function. Predicting renal recovery from obstructive uropathy, can be challenging and necessitates treatment, as in percutaneous nephrostomy (PNS) drainage. The choice of drainage method depends on patient-specific factors and local expertise. According to the data for the Republic of North Macedonia, in the register of the European Renal Association, in the last few years, there has been an increase in the percentage of patients with obstructive nephropathy from 7.6% to 8.9% who end up on a chronic hemodialysis program. Prompt relief from urinary tract obstruction is essential to preserve renal function and prevent complications. The aim of this study is to present our initial data analysis of recent experience in the use of nephrostomies as a method for temporary or long-term resolution of obstructive nephropathy, in terms of safety and success in preserving kidney function and reducing the number of patients on hemodialysis. This study analyzed the medical records of 24 patients with obstructive uropathy who underwent PNS placement. Data were collected for the type and degree of obstruction from the ultrasonographic examination. A pig tail nephrostomy was used, with a dilator, guided under ultrasound and controlled with contrast and fluoroscope. Obstructive nephropathy was defined as an elevation of the serum creatinine > 109 µmol/L, before the intervention. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated according to the formula CKD epi in ml/min. Each placement of the PNS was considered as an individual procedure and the data of 38 placed nephrostomies were analyzed. We compared the laboratory analyses from the day before (D0) PNS placement and on the seventh day (D7) after PNS placement. The reduction of values for red blood cells (RBC) and hemoglobin (Hb) baseline values from D0 to D7 and the need for transfusion after the procedure were defined as a complication-bleeding. The increase in total counts of the white blood cells (WBC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) from the baseline values from D0 to D7 were defined as a complication-infection. Standard statistical methods were used for data processing. Most patients, 17 (70%), had malignant disease as the cause of obstruction. Unilateral obstruction was more common, detected in 24 (63%) of procedures, with a high degree of hydronephrosis. Obstructive nephropathy, marked by elevated serum creatinine, was observed in 23 (60%) cases before PNS placement. Complications included bleeding and infection but did not result in any fatalities. When comparing the laboratory analysis before PNS placement (D0) and seven days later (D7), a statistically significant decrease in serum creatinine (225±161 vs. 162±145, p=0.005) and an increase in GFR (47±39 vs.59±34, p= 0.005) were observed. Percutaneous nephrostomy is a safe and effective treatment option for urinary tract obstruction, especially in patients with malignancies. Continuous monitoring is essential to assess long-term complications and the longevity of PNS functionality. This procedure offers a significant benefit in preserving renal function and minimizing the need for hemodialysis in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study compared the outcomes of using Mac‐Loc catheters and non–Mac‐Loc catheters for percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN). Mac‐Loc catheters have a locking mechanism that forms a curl at the tip by pulling a suture and securing it in place. Methodology: This retrospective study compared the outcomes of consecutive patients who received PCN with catheters equipped with Mac‐Loc versus those with catheters without Mac‐Loc. Catheter failure was the primary endpoint of the study and was defined as all cases of catheter malfunction after PCN. A propensity score was calculated from covariates based on clinical variables, and patients in each group were matched 1:1 based on the propensity score. Results: During the follow‐up period, a total of 289 cases underwent PCN, 72 with catheters equipped with Mac‐Loc and 217 without Mac‐Loc. Failure of the catheter occurred in 63 cases (22%). There were 44 cases (70%) of slippage, 18 cases (29%) of obstruction, and 1 case (2%) of catheter rupture. After propensity score matching, catheter failure–free survival was significantly higher in the group with catheters equipped with Mac‐Loc than in the group without Mac‐Loc (P =.003). Conclusions: The use of catheters equipped with Mac‐Loc for PCN reduces the risk of unintentional catheter slippage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Giant Hydronephrosis (GH) is rare due to improved diagnostic modalities and the ready availability of abdominal imaging. Pelviureteric junction obstruction is the most common aetiology of GH, with abdominal mass or distension being the most common presentation. If GH is not detected early, it can lead to various complications. Authors report three cases of GH in adults who presented to the emergency department with complications. One patient had abdominal distension, while the other two presented with painful abdominal swelling and fever. Two of them were admitted with sepsis, and one had haematuria. Percutaneous Nephrostomy (PCN) catheters were placed in all three cases to decompress the calyceal system, and subsequently, nephrectomy was performed on all of them as the kidneys were not salvageable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractObjective Patients with ureteral calculi and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) often require emergency drainage, and percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) and retrograde ureteral stent insertion (RUSI) are the most commonly used methods. Our study aimed to identify the best choice (PCN or RUSI) for these patients and to examine the risk factors for progression to urosepsis after decompression.Methods A prospective, randomized clinical study was performed at our hospital from March 2017 to March 2022. Patients with ureteral stones and SIRS were enrolled and randomized to the PCN or RUSI group. Demographic information, clinical features and examination results were collected.Results Patients (n = 150) with ureteral stones and SIRS were enrolled into our study, with 78 (52%) patients in the PCN group and 72 (48%) patients in the RUSI group. Demographic information was not significantly different between the groups. The final treatment of calculi was significantly different between the two groups (p

Abstract Background Patients with urosepsis associated with upper urinary tract stones require further stone management after emergency drainage. Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of elective flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy (F-URSL) for upper urinary tract stones in patients with prior urosepsis who have undergone emergency drainage using retrograde ureteral stent(RUS) or percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN). Method Between January 2017 and December 2021, clinical data were collected for 102 patients who underwent elective F-URSL following emergency drainage for urosepsis caused by upper ureteral or renal stones. The patients were categorized into two groups based on the drainage method used: the RUS group and the PCN group. The collected data included patient demographics, stone parameters, infection recovery after emergency drainage, and clinical outcomes post F-URSL. Subsequently, the data underwent statistical analysis. Results A total of 102 patients were included in the statistical analysis, with 58 (56.86%) in the RUS group and 44 (43.14%) in the PCN group. Among the patients, 84 (82.35%) were female and 18 (17.65%) were male, with an average age of 59.36 years. Positive urine cultures were observed in 71 (69.61%) patients. Successful drainage was achieved in all patients in both groups, and there were no significant differences in the time required for normalization of white blood cell count (WBC) and body temperature following drainage. Additionally, all patients underwent F-URSL successfully, and no statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of operative time, stone-free rates, postoperative fever, and postoperative hospital stay. Conclusion Both RUS and PCN have been established as effective approaches for managing urosepsis caused by upper urinary tract stones. Furthermore, the impact of these two drainage methods on the subsequent management of stones through elective F-URSL has shown consistent outcomes.

This study examined the interval between stone management and emergency percutaneous nephrostomy drainage in patients with infection and hydronephrosis secondary to ureteral calculi. A retrospective chart review was conducted for 88 patients treated for 94 stones enrolled in this study from 2005 to 2020. The mean age was 60.7 ± 15.2 years (range: 2–87 years). The average stone size was 1.51 ± 0.8 cm (range: 0.4–4 cm). The most common location was the upper ureter (n = 71, 75.5%), followed by the lower (n = 17, 18.1%) and middle (n = 6, 6.4%) ureter. The mean interval between percutaneous nephrostomy drainage and secondary stone management was 8.17 ± 11.6 days (range: 1–76 days). Most patients underwent operations within 1 week (n = 72, 81.8%). Abnormal white blood cell counts were found in most patients (58, 65.9%). Tachycardia was detected in 40 (45.5%) patients. Only 11 (12.5%) patients had fever upon emergency department arrival. Severe shock was reported in 6 (6.8%) patients. More than half of all patients (45, 51.1%) experienced acute kidney injury, and 37 (42%) patients had elevated C-reactive protein levels. Most patients (69, 73.4%) received ureteroscopic lithotripsy as stone management. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was the only significant parameter (p = 0.016) affecting the operation interval, with MAP < 60 mmHg associated with longer operation intervals (16.2 days). The timing of stone surgery depends on clinician discretion and patient recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with ureteral calculi and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) often require emergency drainage, and percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) and retrograde ureteral stent insertion (RUSI) are the most commonly used methods. Our study aimed to identify the best choice (PCN or RUSI) for these patients and to examine the risk factors for progression to urosepsis after decompression. A prospective, randomized clinical study was performed at our hospital from March 2017 to March 2022. Patients with ureteral stones and SIRS were enrolled and randomized to the PCN or RUSI group. Demographic information, clinical features and examination results were collected. Patients (n = 150) with ureteral stones and SIRS were enrolled into our study, with 78 (52%) patients in the PCN group and 72 (48%) patients in the RUSI group. Demographic information was not significantly different between the groups. The final treatment of calculi was significantly different between the two groups (p <.001). After emergency decompression, urosepsis developed in 28 patients. Patients with urosepsis had a higher procalcitonin (p =.012) and blood culture positivity rate (p <.001) and more pyogenic fluids during primary drainage (p <.001) than patients without urosepsis. PCN and RUSI were effective methods of emergency decompression in patients with ureteral stone and SIRS. Patients with pyonephrosis and a higher PCT should be carefully treated to prevent the progression to urosepsis after decompression. In this study, we evaluate the best choice (PCN or RUSI) for patients who have ureteral stones and SIRS and to examine the risk factors for progression to urosepsis after decompression. This study found that PCN and RUSI were effective methods of emergency decompression. Pyonephrosis and higher PCT were risk factors for patients to develop to urosepsis after decompression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with urosepsis associated with upper urinary tract stones require further stone management after emergency drainage. Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of elective flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy (F-URSL) for upper urinary tract stones in patients with prior urosepsis who have undergone emergency drainage using retrograde ureteral stent(RUS) or percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN). Method: Between January 2017 and December 2021, clinical data were collected for 102 patients who underwent elective F-URSL following emergency drainage for urosepsis caused by upper ureteral or renal stones. The patients were categorized into two groups based on the drainage method used: the RUS group and the PCN group. The collected data included patient demographics, stone parameters, infection recovery after emergency drainage, and clinical outcomes post F-URSL. Subsequently, the data underwent statistical analysis. Results: A total of 102 patients were included in the statistical analysis, with 58 (56.86%) in the RUS group and 44 (43.14%) in the PCN group. Among the patients, 84 (82.35%) were female and 18 (17.65%) were male, with an average age of 59.36 years. Positive urine cultures were observed in 71 (69.61%) patients. Successful drainage was achieved in all patients in both groups, and there were no significant differences in the time required for normalization of white blood cell count (WBC) and body temperature following drainage. Additionally, all patients underwent F-URSL successfully, and no statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of operative time, stone-free rates, postoperative fever, and postoperative hospital stay. Conclusion: Both RUS and PCN have been established as effective approaches for managing urosepsis caused by upper urinary tract stones. Furthermore, the impact of these two drainage methods on the subsequent management of stones through elective F-URSL has shown consistent outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To analyze prognostic factors associated with ureteral stent failure and to develop a prediction model for malignant ureteral obstruction (MUO) in patients with non-urological cancers. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients with non-urological cancers who underwent ureteral stenting or percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) for MUO between 2006 and 2014. Variables predicting stent failure were identified using Cox regression analysis. Results: Of the 743 patients, 468 (63.0%) underwent ureteral stenting only, and 275 (37.0%) underwent PCN owing to technical (n=215) or functional (n=60) stent failure. The median overall survival was 4 [interquartile range (IQR) 1–11] months, and the median interval duration to stent failure was 2 (IQR 0–7) months. In univariate analysis, lower gastrointestinal cancer, previous radiotherapy to the pelvis, bladder invasion, lower ureteral obstruction, and low previous estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (<30 mL/min/1.73 m² ) were significantly associated with a decreased survival rate. In multivariate analysis, bladder invasion and previous eGFR were significant predictors. With these two predictors, we divided patients into three groups based on their presence: low-risk (neither factor; n=516), intermediate-risk (one factor; n=206), and high-risk (both factors; n=21). The median stent failure-free survival rates of patients in the low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups were 26 (8-unreached), 1 (0–18), and 0 (0–0) months, respectively (p<0.001). Conclusion: In cases of ureteral obstruction caused by non-urological cancers, patients with bladder invasion and a low eGFR showed poor stent failure-free survival. Therefore, PCN should be considered the primary procedure for these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionMalignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) is an extremely rare tumor with nonspecific clinical manifestations, making diagnosis challenging.Case presentationHerein, we report a case of MPM with occult onset presenting with bilateral hydronephrosis and renal insufficiency. A 30-year-old man was admitted to the Urology Department because of recurrent bilateral lower back pain. The etiology was unclear after a series of laboratory tests, imaging examinations, bone marrow aspiration, renal puncture biopsy, ascites examination, ureteroscopy, and so on. Finally, MPM was diagnosed by laparoscopic exploration and biopsy. Moreover, during the course of the disease, the patient's bilateral ureters were compressed, and the obstruction could not be relieved after the placement of ordinary ureteral stents. Percutaneous nephrostomy or metal ureteral stenosis was appropriate in managing malignant ureteral obstruction as it could improve renal function.ConclusionsThe onset of this case was insidious, and the diagnosis was difficult, with a poor prognosis. To date, only a handful of cases have been reported. We hope this case can provide some enlightenment for our clinical work.

BackgroundMalignant ureteral obstruction (MUO) is a common presentation in advanced urological and non-urological malignancies. Percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) and retrograde ureteral stent (RUS) are the most commonly performed procedures to relieve the obstruction. The comparative effectiveness of PCN and RUS for decompression of MUO remains uncertain. PurposeTo systematically review the literature for evidence of improved efficacy of one of these procedures in terms of renal function preservation and clinical outcomes. MethodsWe searched Ovid Medline, Ovid EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Scopus from the date of inception to October 2022. In addition, gray literature was searched through OpenGray (https://opengrey.eu/), dissertation and thesis database (ProQuest) via (https://www.proquest.com), and Clinical trial.gov website. The reference lists of all the included studies were also searched.Two reviewers independently reviewed and selected studies, assessed the quality, and extracted the data. ResultsOverall, 25 eligible studies including 1864 patients compared PCN and RUS (head-to-head). PCN and RUS were found to be similarly effective in improving renal function. However, PCN appears to be superior in maintaining this reduction. The complication rate and quality of life were comparable between the 2 methods, but the length of hospital stay and the financial cost were significantly higher in the PCN group. The mean technical success rate in RUS was 70.3% (21% to 100%) and in PCN was 98.8% (90% to 100%). The conversion rate from RUS to PCN ranged from 10% to 42.6% (mean = 22.5%), while internalization of the PCN occurred in 11.7% to 98% of the patients (mean = 45.5%). ConclusionsBoth diversional methods are effective in management of MUO. However, because of the heterogeneity of the included studies, the superiority of one of the procedures cannot be concluded.

Background and Objectives: The European Association of Urology guidelines on urolithiasis highlight the limited evidence supporting the superiority of percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) over retrograde ureteral stent placement for the primary treatment of infected hydronephrosis secondary to urolithiasis. We, therefore, conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the effects of PCN and retrograde ureteral stent in patients with severe urinary tract infections secondary to obstructive urolithiasis. Materials and Methods: Meta-analyses were performed to compare four outcomes: time for the temperature to return to normal; time for the white blood cell (WBC) count to return to normal; hospital length of stay; and procedure success rate. After a full-text review, eight studies were identified as relevant and included in our systematic review and meta-analysis. Results: No significant difference was detected between PCN and retrograde ureteral stenting for the time for the temperature to return to normal (p = 0.13; mean difference [MD] = −0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI] = −1.69, 0.21; I2 = 96%) or the time for the WBC count to return to normal (p = 0.24; MD = 0.46; 95% CI = −0.30, 1.21; I2 = 85%). There was also no significant difference between methods for hospital length of stay (p = 0.78; MD = 0.45; 95% CI = −2.78, 3.68; I2 = 96%) or procedure success rate (p = 0.76; odds ratio = 0.86; 95% CI = 0.34, 2.20; I2 = 47%). Conclusions: The clinical outcomes related to efficacy did not differ between PCN and retrograde ureteral stenting for severe urinary tract infection with obstructive urolithiasis. Thus, the choice between procedures depends mainly on the urologist’s or patient’s preferences.

Percutaneous renal surgery, although much less invasive than other procedures, is subject to several complications, which can occur at any time during the course of treatment, starting from the performance of the minimal nephrostomy procedure. We present an extremely rare vascular complication of percutaneous nephrostomy represented by arteriovenous fistula that occurred in a 24-year-old patient known to have right ureteropelvic junction obstruction operated with the absence of double-J catheter permeability and grade II-III hydronephrosis for which minimal percutaneous nephrostomy was urgently fitted. The arteriovenous fistula was resolved by supraselective artery embolization.

To the Editor, Upper urinary tract obstruction (UUTO) is a common scenario in clinical practice, and it is caused by a variety of diseases. Lithiasis, tumours and strictures are some of the principal aetiologies. Multiple factors may influence both the need for decompression of the obstructed collecting system and the urgency of procedure...

Ureteral obstruction is blockage in one or both of the tubes (ureters) that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder which is a potential common cause of reversible renal injury. It can be caused by benign or malignant pathologies. Decompression of the obstruction is considered a vital step in management. Percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) and ureteral stenting are the two common diversion surgical techniques used for the treatment of obstruction. In cases of benign ureteric obstruction, the choice between PCN or stenting is highly arguable among urologists and is dependent on factors such as the cause, severity of obstruction availability of treatment modalities, and surgeon experience, and both techniques are considered similar successful in treating such case. For ureteric stones, urologists typically try stenting first and resort to PCN if stenting fails. The choice between the two is dependent on the availability of resources and surgical experience. On the other hand, PCN is the preferred initial method in cases of malignant obstruction because of high late failure rates in cases of ureteral stenting. Percutaneous nephrostomy cases had the drawback of the need for a collection instrument placed externally which impacted the patient’s life [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This retrospective study aimed to determine the impact of percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) on the quality of life (QOL) and kidney function of women with advanced carcinoma of the cervix and obstructive uropathy in Kenyatta National Hospital by utilizing data from 2016 to 2019 and a follow-up patient interview in 2020. Sociodemographic data from patient records was reported as descriptive statistics. Serum urea, hemoglobin and creatinine levels before PCN and 72 hours, 1 month and 3 months after PCN were obtained. The changes were analysed using a paired t-test. Quality of life data before and after PCN tube insertion were collected using the structured Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy and a cervix cancer-specific subscale (FACT-Cx) questionnaire, responses scored and an aggregate tallied. The QOL and kidney function data variables before and after PCN tube insertion were compared with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Fifty eight study participants were enrolled, with an 80% power to detect a 5 fold change in kidney function. Percutaneous nephrostomy had an overall improvement in the quality of life (FACT-Cx total p = 0.041) with changes in aspects of physical well-being (p = 0.018) and additional concerns sexual function, self-esteem, appearance, urinary function, appetite and gastrointestinal function (p ≤ 0.001); but none in other aspects of the tool. Improvement was noted 72 hours after PCN tube insertion in 62% of patients' urea (p = 0.033) and 64% of creatinine (p ≤ 0.001) levels but not sustained after 1 month and did not revert to normal levels. Hemoglobin levels did not improve. Percutaneous nephrostomy was found to have a short-term added value in management of women with obstructed uropathy in advanced carcinoma of the cervix as two aspects of their QOL improved while serum urea and creatinine levels improved slightly with no functional recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyonephrosis is characterized by infective hydronephrosis accompanied by suppurative destruction of the renal parenchyma, resulting in partial or complete impairment of renal function. Patients present with wide range of symptoms, they can be asymptomatic in 15% but most of them present with septic features like fever, chills, and flank pain. Urinary tract infections, functional and anatomic obstruction, and anatomic anomalies such as pelvic and horseshoe kidneys are common etiologic factors. We report a 30 years old female patient with giant pyonephrosis in an ectopic kidney. She presented with acute toxic symptoms after she has been experiencing progressive abdominal swelling and pain for a couple of years. Simple nephrectomy was done four weeks after she has been initially treated with percutaneous drainage of the pus and intravenous antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drainage catheters are used almost routinely to provide urinary drainage, prevent extravasation of urine, and create tamponade against bleeding after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL). In the literature, there is no standardized approach to determining which type of catheter is superior. In this context, we aimed to comparatively analyze two different types of catheters (re-entry malecot catheter and nelaton catheter) in terms of success and complications, which we use for drainage after a PNL operation and which have very different costs. Patients who underwent PNL for kidney stones between January 2018 and October 2022 were included in the study. The data of a total of 148 patients who had a 16-F reentry malecot nephrostomy catheter or a 16-F nelaton catheter were analyzed. In addition to the demographic characteristics of the patients, stone characteristics, operative data, hospitalization time, analgesia requirement, hemoglobin exchange, amount of blood transfusion, and postoperative data (success and complications) were comparatively evaluated. The current unit price for a reentry malecot and a nelaton catheter is 4.7 United States dollars (USD) and 0.11 USD, respectively. There were a total of 148 patients in the study, 63 of whom were nelaton catheters and 85 were reentry malecots, and the mean age was 39.95 ± 13.28 years. There was no statistically significant difference between preoperative stone sizes and residual stone rates according to the groups. In addition, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of access site and stone localization. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of complication rates according to the Clavien–Dindo classification, Hb levels, blood transfusion rates, operation times, or hospitalization times. In conclusion, if a second procedure is planned, a reentry malecot catheter may be preferred. Apart from this situation, nelaton catheters should be preferred because they are similar to reentry catheters in terms of effectiveness, and side effects and are more economical than reentry catheters in terms of cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Serum creatinine trajectory (SCr-Tr) is a neglected prognostic tool for chronic and acute kidney injury. We aimed to assess the predictors of SCr-Tr during the time-to-nadir and serum creatinine (SCr) normalization rate after drainage, using percutaneous nephrostomy in patients with bilateral malignant ureteral obstruction. Methods A prospective non-randomized study was performed on SCr-Tr in patients with bilateral malignant ureteral obstruction from August 2019 to March 2022. The primary outcome was SCr-Tr during the time-to-nadir. Results This study included 102 patients with a mean age ± SD of 59.6 ± 14.7 years. SCr-Tr was non-linear with a mean ± SD (range) of 0.5 ± 0.4 (0.03–2.3) mg/dl/day. Multivariate analyses revealed that female gender (p = 0.016), body mass index (BMI; p = 0.005), and SCr at presentation (p

Background: Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is commonly seen in uncontrolled diabetes patients. Appropriate identifications of risk factors and timely management underline the outcome in such patients. Aims and Objectives: The objectives of this study were to study the various risk factors, clinical features, and radiological classification of EPN. The specific objective of this study was to study various management approaches such as medical management, minimally invasive procedures, and nephrectomy. Materials and Methods: We prospectively analyzed 128 patients from January 2021 to July 2022 – documented clinical data, laboratory data, imaging findings, interventions, and outcomes of patients with EPN. Results: Among 128 patients, 96 were female and 32 were male. Among them, 110 were diabetic. All had symptoms of fever and flank pain. Based on CT findings, EPN was classified as Class 1 (n=30), Class 2 (n=54), Class 3a (n=24), Class 3b (n=16), and Class 4 (n=4). Escherichia coli (n=75) most common organism grown. Majority were treated with antibiotics. Thirty-six patients underwent percutaneous drainage, 12 patients percutaneous nephrostomy, and 25 patients subjected to DJ stenting. Nephrectomy was done in 7.8%. Mortality rate in our study was 6.25%. Conclusion: EPN management requires multidisciplinary approach including adequate hydration and electrolyte imbalance management, broad spectrum antibiotics, strict glycemic control, effective urinary drainage, and lastly nephrectomy.

Placement of a percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN), to drain and preserve renal function, is a common urologic procedure in the setting of high urinary obstruction. Colonic perforation is a rare complication, with an incidence of 0.2–0.5%. In these situations, literature advises the withdrawal of the PCN into the colon, ureteral stenting, zero-diet, broad spectrum antibiotics and only to remove the catheter days after. Here we describe the case of a patient in whom a PCN was placed transversing the colon, in whom it was retrieved under endoscopic control, with use of endoclips to control the hemorrhage and close the perforation.

Purple urine bag syndrome (PUBS) is a complication and a rare phenomenon associated with bacterial colonisation in bladder catheters in which urine turns purple in the tubing and the catheter bag. This condition can be distressing and panicking for the patients and their families as well as the medical staff caring for them. It is an interesting and unusual presentation that affects people with long-term indwelling catheters and chronic constipation. We report one such case in our hospital, a 73-year-old woman with stage 4 cancer of the vaginal vault, post-bilateral percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) 4 months ago, currently on best supportive care, presented to the emergency room with symptoms of urosepsis, while a purple urine bag may appear innocuous and not need any particular care beyond replacing the catheter and giving the patient the proper antibiotics, it may indicate an occult urinary tract infection (UTI), which can have catastrophic effects in a patient using a urinary catheter for an extended period of time. Only a few examples of PUBS with an underlying nephrostomy have been documented in the literature. This is a case of a palliative care patient who had a poor prognosis despite receiving the right antibiotic treatment for an upper UTI that caused purple staining of the PCN catheter bag. Using this case report as a guide, we could manage a complex UTI in a palliative care context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the effect of needle size in pediatric percutaneous nephrostomy (PN) placement in terms of complications and success rates. Methods: Seventy one percutaneous nephrostomies were performed in 51 patients aged 1 month to 18 years (mean 6.03 ± 5.88 years) between May 2012 and March 2020. Demographic data, indication for PN placement, puncture technique (calyceal entry level: upper, middle, lower pole or pelvis) and needle size, anesthesia type (general or local anesthesia), duration of catheter use and complications were retrospectively retrieved from the hospital electronic recording system. Results: Thirty procedures were performed using a 21 gauge needle and 41 procedures using a 18 gauge needle. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, gender, degree of hydronephrosis, and calyceal entry level. Technical success and complication rates were similar in two groups (p = 0.423). Conclusions: In the pediatric age group, both 18 and 21 gauge needle techniques can be used safely based on the preference of the interventionalist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urinary tract obstruction is a serious condition that can cause significant morbidity in patients with acute obstructive uropathy. Prompt urinary diversion is necessary to prevent further damage to the kidneys. Retrograde ureteral stenting (RUS) and percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) are the two main treatment options for this condition in many hospitals. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of PCN and RUS for treating acute obstructive uropathy. We conducted a retrospective study of 1500 consecutive patients who presented to the emergency room between January 2017 and December 2021 and underwent either double-J stenting or percutaneous nephrostomy. Patient characteristics and anatomic data were evaluated using abdominal ultrasonography, computed tomography, blood tests, and/or KUB radiography. Out of the 1500 patients, 1172 patients underwent double-J stenting, while 328 patients received percutaneous nephrostomy initially. In 54 cases where double-J stenting was inefficient, subsequent percutaneous nephrostomy was performed. The majority of cases were efficiently treated with double-J stenting. Double-J stenting was an effective method of urinary drainage in most cases of acute obstructive uropathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 85-year-old female patient underwent nephrostomy tube insertion for a huge hydronephrosis due to a papillary mass involving the right ureteral ostium diagnosed by at computed tomography scan. As soon as the nephrostomy tube was inserted, a pulsatile bleeding was found and a renal angiography was done. A massive bleeding from the main and unique right renal artery was found such as to require prompt endovascular embolization. A transurethral resection of the bladder was performed and the pathology report confirmed high-grade pTa transitional cell carcinoma. An open drainage was then placed to empty the contents of the pyelocalyceal system of the kidney. Once obtained the volumetric reduction of the abdominal mass the patient underwent the right nephroureterectomy.

Objective: The objective of this study is to compare the outcome of percutaneous nephrostomy by ultrasound (US) versus fluoroscopy including access time, volume of anesthesia required, success rate, and complications. Methods: One hundred patients were enrolled in a prospective randomized study. Patients were divided into two groups, 50 cases each. Comparing the two groups was done regarding the need for dye, radiation effect, time taken, trial number, rate of complication, volume of anesthesia, and success rate. Results: Patient demographics were comparable between both groups with no statistically significant difference. According to the modified Clavien–Dindo classification, the complications were Grade I (pain and mild hematuria) in each group. Procedural pain was present in 41 (82%) patients in Group I and in 48 (96%) patients in Group II. It was treated in both groups with a simple analgesic. Mild hematuria was present in 5 (10%) patients in the US group and 13 (26%) in the fluoroscopic group and treated by hemostatic drugs only. There was a statistically significant difference between both groups regarding the volume of required local anesthesia, the trial numbers, the puncture numbers, bleeding, extravasation, and change in the hemoglobin level. Conclusion: US percutaneous renal access is a safe and effective modality with a high success rate, less operative time, and complication rate. However, a minimum of 50 cases with some pelvicalyceal system dilation may be preliminary requisites to achieve good orientation and competence in achieving safe US percutaneous renal access for future endourological procedures.

Background: Urolithiasis during pregnancy is a complex health problem that can affect maternal and fetal health, needs adequate understanding of the management options available and their relative pros and cons. Patient management needs involvement of obstetrician, radiologist and urologist, as a multidisciplinary team, to avoid any obstetric complications, such as spontaneous abortion and preterm delivery. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate urolithiasis and its management in pregnant women at our tertiary care center. Materials and Methods: We analyzed data of 45 patients diagnosed with urolithiasis during pregnancy between January 2017 and March 2022.We evaluated patients age, gestational age history of urolithiasis, physical examination findings, routine laboratory findings, location, and size of the stone. The effectiveness and complications of the applied treatment methods were also evaluated. Results: The mean age of 45 patients included in our study was 25 (25.2±4.8) years with mean gestational age of 18.2 weeks. The mean stone size was 10.2 mm and the most common symptom at the time of presentation to hospital was flank pain (73%). Kidney stones were detected in 26 patients and ureteral stones in 19 patients. Although conservative treatment was sufficient in 22 (48.9%) patients, 31 (51.1%) patients required surgical intervention. Major obstetric complications, such as preterm delivery and miscarriage, did not occur in any patients. Conclusion: Urolithiasis during pregnancy can pose a challenge to urologists, obstetricians, and radiologists, requiring a prompt diagnosis and urgent treatment. On failure of medical management, definitive endoscopic treatment of an acute stone event is a reasonable strategy. In determining the treatment options, fetal and maternal health should be of utmost importance.

Percutaneous renal interventions are characterized by bleeding and infectious complications, as well as trauma to organs located near the kidney, renal or inferior vena cava (IVC). The article presents a clinical observation of a rare complication of percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN), i.e. migration of the distal end of the nephrostomy tube into the IVC. Its timely removal followed by re-nephrostomy made it possible to avoid bleeding and restore drainage of the pyelocalyceal system. Along with this, the article presents a literature review on this condition in the eLibrary, Springer, MedLine, Embase, UpToDate databases from 2000 to 2021. The indications for PCN, the frequency and risk factors of IVC damage during percutaneous renal interventions, as well as treatment tactics were studied. After the initial evaluation of the literature, ten articles were selected for further analysis. The main risk factors associated with IVC perforation after PCN include the surgeon's lack of experience in instrumental imaging, misjudgment of the length of the nephrostomy tube, and its insertion depth, resulting in its inadequate placement. Removal of the nephrostomy tube from the IVC under radiological and ultrasound guidance or open surgery are the main methods to correct for this complication.

Objective:To examine outcomes and prognostic features of patients admitted with emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) at a regional tertiary centre.Materials and Methods:Nineteen patients with EPN were identified between January 2007 and December 2019. Patients were grouped into two “mild” (grade I or II); and “severe” (grade III or IV) based on their Huang and Tseng classification. The two groups were compared using Fisher’s Exact tests to determine prognostic features associated with poor outcome, defined as extensive surgical intervention or death.Results:Thirteen patients had mild disease and six patients had severe disease. 69% of patients had ureteric obstruction, 58% were diabetic, 26% were thrombocytopaenic, and there was a female predominance (12:7). Poor outcomes were significantly more common in patients with severe disease (83%), versus mild disease (8%) (p