RIRS with FV-UAS vs. MPCNL for 2-3-cm upper urinary tract stones: a prospective study

To observe the efficacy and safety of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) combined with flexible vacuum-assisted ureteral access sheath (FV-UAS) and minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL) in patients with 2-3 cm upper urinary tract stones. A total of 160 patients with 2-3 cm upper urinary tract stones were prospectively randomized into 2 groups-80 in the FV-UAS group and 80 cases as control in the MPCNL group. The stone-free rates (SFRs) at different times (postoperative 1st day and 4th week) were considered as the primary outcome of the study. The secondary end points were operative time, hemoglobin decrease, postoperative hospital stay, and operation-related complications. There was no obvious difference between the two groups in patient's demographics and preoperative clinical characteristics (all P > 0.05). Postoperative data showed that mean decrease in hemoglobin level was less in FV-UAS group than that in MPCNL group (5.3 vs. 10.8 g/L, P < 0.001). Postoperative hospital stay in FV-UAS group was more shorten than that in MPCNL group (2.7 vs. 4.9 days, P < 0.001). There was no statistical significance between the two groups in SFRs during postoperative 1st day and 4th week (both P > 0.05). However, in terms of the rates of bleeding and pain, MPCNL group were both significantly higher than FV-UAS group (6.2 vs. 0.0%, P = 0.023; 16.2 vs. 2.5%, P = 0.003; respectively). Our study showed that RIRS with FV-UAS, a new partnership to treat 2-3 cm upper urinary tract stones, was satisfying as it achieved a high SFR rate and a low rate of complications. This method was safe and reproducible in clinical practice.

Vacuum-assisted access sheath in supine mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mini-PCNL)

INTRODUCTION

The vacuum-assisted access sheath is a new device for the treatment of kidney stones with percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to compare the stone-free rate (SFR) and complications between standard mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (Mini-PCNL) and vacuum-assisted PCNL (Va-PCNL).

METHODS

Retrospective study of patients undergoing Mini-PCNL and Va-PCNL from January 2018 to June 2022. Va-PCNL was performed with a disposable sheath (ClearPetra®) with continuous high-flow irrigation and vacuum fluid dynamics for easier stone fragment removal. Baseline patient characteristics, surgical outcomes, perioperative and postoperative data were collected. We compared SFR and complications.

RESULTS

A total of 136 patients were identified, 57 (41,9%) underwent Va-PCNL and 79 (58,15%) Mini-PCNL. Mean operative time was significantly shorter in the Va-PCNL group (95 min.) than in Mini-PCNL (146 min; P = ,001) group. The tubeless technique was performed more frequently in Va-PCNL group (61,4% vs. 34,2%; P = ,002). We did not observe any differences in postoperative complications. The mean hospital stay was significantly lower in Va-PCNL with 1,7 ± 1,9 days per patient compared with 2,7 ± 1,5 days in the Mini-PCNL group (P = ,001). There were no differences in SFR at 3 months between Va-PCNL (71,9%) and Mini-PCNL (71,8%; P =v ,848).

CONCLUSION

Patients treated with Va-PCNL had comparable results to Mini-PCNL, showing equal SFR with similar infectious complications rates. Potential benefits of Va-PCNL include shorter operative time and postoperative stay.

Comparison of vacuum-assisted sheaths and normal sheaths in minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to compare the safety and efficacy of vacuum-assisted sheaths and conventional sheaths in minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL) in the treatment of nephrolithiasis.

METHODS

PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, EBSCO, and Cochrane Library databases (updated March 2021) were used to search for studies assessing the effect of vacuum-assisted sheaths in patients who underwent MPCNL. The search strategy and study selection processes were implemented in accordance with the PRISMA statement.

RESULT

Three randomized controlled trials and two case-controlled trials that satisfied the inclusion criteria were enrolled in this meta-analysis. Overall, the stone-free rate (SFR) in patients who underwent vacuum-assisted sheaths was significantly higher than that in patients who underwent conventional sheaths (RR 1.23, 95% CI 1.04, 1.46, P = 0.02), with significant heterogeneity among the studies (I² = 72%, P = 0.03). In terms of the outcome of complications, vacuum-assisted sheath could bring a benefit to the postoperative infection rate (RR 0.48, 95% CI 0.33, 0.70, P < 0.00001) with insignificant heterogeneity among the studies (I² = 0%, P = 0.68). There was no significant difference in the blood transfusion rate (RR 0.35, 95% CI 0.07, 1.73, P = 0.17), with significant heterogeneity (I² = 66%, P = 0.35). Three studies contained operative time data, and the results indicated that the vacuum-assisted sheath led to a shorter operative time (MD = - 15.74; 95% CI - 1944, - 12.04, P < 0.00001) with insignificant heterogeneity (I² = 0%, P = 0.91).

CONCLUSION

The application of a vacuum-assisted sheath in MPCNL improves the safety and efficiency compared to the conventional sheath. A vacuum-assisted sheath significantly increases the SFR while reducing operative time and postoperative infection.

A comparative study of minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy and retrograde intrarenal surgery for solitary renal stone of 1-2 cm

Background:

PCNL is the treatment of choice for renal stones. But wide array of complications due to larger tract size(>20 Fr) has lead to development of improved techniques like miniPCNL(<20 Fr) and RIRS(Retrograde intrarenal surgery).

Aim and Objective:

To perform a study comparing miniPCNL with RIRS for renal stones 1-2 cm with respect to stone free rate , complications and quality of life.

Materials and Methods:

A prospective, randomised study was carried out our tertiary care centre, recruiting 40 patients in each group from Dec 2016 to Oct 2018. Patients demographic characteristics, operative findings, surgical outcomes and quality of life( SF-36 questionnaire) were recorded with 3 months of follow-up.

Results:

RIRS has longer operative time (69.75 min > 51.58 min; p=0.003), lesser radiation exposure (p=0.012), shorter hospital stay (p =0.15), lesser blood loss and lesser post operative pain on POD1 and POD2 (p =0.005, p=0.001 respectively). RIRS group patients sufferred more post op complications (p=0.03 )of which urosepsis was most common. Stone free rate is significantly better(p =0.003) in miniPCNL group on POD1 , while SFR's at 1 month (miniPCNL-90% and RIRS -85%) and 3 month (miniPCNL- 92.5% and RIRS -87.5%) was better in miniPCNL group, but statistically insignificant.On subgroup analysis SFR in lower pole calculus was better in miniPCNL group at 1month and 3 month (p=0.008). Second intervention for stone clearance was required in 3 patients of miniPCNL and 5 patients of RIRS, out of which 4 had lower pole stone.No significant differnce was found in quality of life in both groups at 1 month.

Conclusion:

MiniPCNL is a better treatment modality for higher single step stone free rate, shorter operative time and fewer postop complication. RIRS has SFR slightly less than miniPCNL but has less radiation exposure and much less post operative pain. There is no significant difference in quality of life in both groups.

The Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy with Different Access Sizes for the Single Renal Stone ≤25 mm: A Randomized Prospective Study

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to provide a randomized controlled trial comparing the outcomes of different access sizes used in the solo ultrasonic-guided minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mini-PCNL).

METHODS

From January 2018 to December 2019, a total of 160 cases with single renal stones of <25 mm were randomized to undergo mini-PCNLs with Fr16, Fr18, Fr20, or Fr22 accesses. All accesses were established with the axis of the target calyx as the marker for puncture location and then expanded to the desired size. Hemoglobin reduction, operative time, stone-free rate, complications, etc., were all recorded and assessed.

RESULTS

The demographic data were similar, and there were no significantly intergroup differences in stone-free rate, complications, and hospital stay time. The hemoglobin reduction was comparable and was 0.9 ± 0.6, 0.9 ± 0.7, 1.0 ± 0.5, and 1.1 ± 0.7 g/dL for the groups Fr16, Fr18, Fr20, and Fr22, respectively. The operative time was 53.4 ± 14.5, 48.5 ± 15.2, 42.8 ± 13.3, and 43.3 ± 13.1 min for the 4 groups, which decreased significantly from group Fr16 to Fr20, but there was no significant difference between Fr20 and Fr22 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The axis of target calyx is a reliable marker for establishment of percutaneous renal access under ultrasonic guidance. The surgical outcomes of different access sizes were comparable, but the operation time was significantly shortened with the increase of size. However, Fr22 was not more efficient than Fr20.

A comparative study of endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS) in the galdakao-modified supine valdivia (GMSV) position and minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy for complex nephrolithiasis: a retrospective single-center study

The aim of this research is to compare the efficiency and safety between endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS) in the Galdakao-modified Supine Valdivia (GMSV) position and minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (Mini-PCNL) in a single session for the treatment of complex nephrolithiasis. 140 consecutive patients who were diagnosed with multiple pyelocaliceal stones or staghorn renal calculi were enrolled and reviewed retrospectively. Demographic, clinical information and surgical outcomes were collected and analyzed. Demographic variables and stone characteristics did not show statistically differences. Over 80% of the patients were diagnosed with multiple pyelocaliceal stones, while the remainders were branched renal calculi. Over half of the patients were classified into medium and high Seoul National University Renal Stone Complexity scoring system (S-ReSC) score groups. The stone free rate (SFR) in the single session was significantly higher in the ECIRS group than in the Mini-PCNL group (88.06% vs. 66.67%, P = 0.003). The subgroup analysis revealed that ECIRS was more efficacious than Mini-PCNL for complex renal calculi with medium and high S-ReSC scores (P = 0.002). A nonsignificant but relatively lower postoperative complication rate was noted in the ECIRS group (7.5 vs. 16.0%, P = 0.12). With the exception of postoperative hospitalization days (P < 0.001), significant difference was not detected between the two groups for other procedure-related information. ECIRS in the GMSV position is an effective and safe treatment especially for medium and severe complex nephrolithiasis, with significant higher SFR in the single session and relatively low procedure-associated morbidity compared to Mini-PCNL.

Minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy versus retrograde intrarenal surgery in surgical management of upper urinary stones - A systematic review with meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively assess the efficacy and safety of minimally invasive nephrolithotomy (MPCNL) versus retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) in the management of upper urinary stones.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature review of articles that investigated the efficacy and safety of MPCNL and RIRS was conducted by systematically searching PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library in March 2019. Two reviewers searched the literature, independently extracted the data and evaluated the quality of the data according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A meta-analysis was performed by using Review Manager 5.3 software.

RESULTS

Eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 725 patients with upper urinary stones were analysed based on the inclusion criteria. While MPCNL has a better clinical efficacy than RIRS with respect to the stone-free rate (SFR) [RR = 1.11, 95% CI (1.05-1.17), p = 0.0005], MPCNL has a higher incidence of haematoma [RR = 3.09, 95% CI (1.44-6.66), p = 0.004] and longer hospitalization time [MD = 0.89 day, 95% CI (0.07-1.72), p = 0.04]. In addition, no significant difference in operative time [MD = 2.46 min, 95% CI (-17.99 to 22.92), p = 0.81] and postoperative pain score [MD = 0.74, 95% CI (-0.45 to 1.94), p = 0.22] were observed between the two methods. Overall, the evidence was insufficient to suggest a statistically significant difference in the adverse event profile for MPCNL compared with RIRS.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that MPCNL is an effective method for treating upper urinary stones, especially lower calyceal stones that are 1-2 cm in size. Compared to RIRS, MPCNL is associated with a longer hospital stay time and a higher incidence of haematoma. In addition, both methods have proven to be safe. Nevertheless, the findings should be further confirmed through well-designed prospective RCTs with a larger patient series.

Super-Mini Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Reduces the Incidence of Postoperative Adverse Events in Pediatric Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the safety of the super-mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (SMP) versus the minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL) in the treatment of pediatric renal calculus.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the electronic records of pediatric patients who underwent treatment for renal stones by either SMP or MPCNL from May 2015 to May 2016. We compared the safety of the 2 surgical procedures in the treatment of renal calculus in children by using the generalized estimating equation (GEE) multivariate regression analysis, in which the exposures are the surgical procedures and postoperative adverse events (postoperative complications, fever, and WBC counts) are set as outcome variables.

RESULTS

The study included 39 patients (26 boys and 13 girls), of which 22 underwent MPCNL and 17 underwent SMP, with a mean age of 110.05 ± 45.01 and 93.18 ± 41.72 months, respectively. In the univariate logistic regression model, the surgical procedures showed no significant association with postoperative complications (95% CI 0.0-1.5), fever (95% CI 0.1-2.1), postoperative peripheral WBC (95% CI 0.1-2.2). In the multiple logistic regression analysis, there was an insignificant association between surgical methods and postoperative complications (95% CI 0.28-1.1), fever (95% CI 0.1-1.2), and postoperative peripheral WBC (95% CI 0.03-1.8). While using GEE with multiple dependent variables and MPCNL as a reference, the OR of adverse events was 0.15 and the 95% CI were 0.04-0.55.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to MPCNL, SMP has a lower incidence of postoperative complications and appears to be a safer treatment for children with kidney stones.

The Effect of Comprehensive Care on the Patients Received Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

BACKGROUND

We analyzed the effect of comprehensive care on the patients who received minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL).

METHODS

Patients hospitalized from 2013-2014 in Zhumadian Central Hospital (n=124) were enrolled and divided into two groups on random basis. The control group was treated with routine nursing model while the observation group was given comprehensive care additionally. The surgery time, degree of comfort, complications and successful cases, hospitalization time, sleep quality, nursing satisfaction and changes of systolic pressure, pulse and respiratory at different time were observed and analyzed.

RESULTS

The surgery time of the control group was significantly longer than that of observation group (P<0.05). The observation group felt more comfortable and showed more significant successful cases than the control group. Moreover, the hospitalization time were significantly reduced in observation group when compared with control group (P<0.05). The sleep quality of the observation group was significantly better than that of the control group (P<0.05). Before anesthesia, diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure, pulse and respiration were not significantly different between the two groups. The diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure, pulse and respiration after anesthesia, intraoperative 30 min, postoperative 30 min and other moments were significantly different. The incidence of complications in the control group was significantly higher than that in the observation group. The nursing satisfaction of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group.

CONCLUSION

The comprehensive care on the patients undergoing MPCNL was effective, and it can dramatically shorten surgery time, improve the success rate, improve the sleep quality of patients, keep life sign stable and minimize the complications.

Minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy vs standard PCNL for management of renal stones in the flank-free modified supine position: single-center experience

To assess the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mPCNL) as compared to standard PCNL (sPCNL) for management of 2-3-cm renal stones in the flank-free modified supine position. Between September 2010 and December 2013, 150 patients (168 renal units) with 2-3-cm renal stones were prospectively randomized into two treatment groups; Group A (75 patients/87 renal units) treated by mPCNL and Group B (75 patients/81 renal units) treated by sPCNL. In both groups, the patients were placed in the flank-free modified supine position. In mPCNL group, the tract was dilated up to 16.5 F whereas in sPCNL group the tract was dilated up to 30 F. Both groups were compared regarding several perioperative parameters. No significant difference was recorded among both groups regarding fluoroscopy time (4.3 ± 1.3 vs 4.8 ± 2.1 min, p = 0.06), operative time (83.2 ± 17.3 vs 78.6 ± 24.4 min, p = 0.16), hospital stay (4.3 vs 4.5 days, p = 0.76), VAS score (3.2 ± 0.6 vs 3.3 ± 0.8, p = 0.36) and need for analgesia. The mean drop in hemoglobin level and the incidence of bleeding that necessitated blood transfusion were significantly lower in the mPCNL group (0.6 ± 0.1 vs 1.9 ± 1.1 g/dl, p < 0.0001 and 1.2 vs 9.8%, p = 0.03, respectively). Although the stone-free rate was higher in the sPCNL group, but this was statistically insignificant (97.1 vs 95.4%, p = 0.86). Mini-PCNL is effective for managing renal calculi with comparable operative time and stone-free rate to standard PCNL with the merit of higher safety due to lower incidence of bleeding that necessitates blood transfusion.

Predictors for uroseptic shock in patients who undergo minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy

To identify risk factors that can predict which patient is likely to progress from systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) to uroseptic shock after minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL) for the upper urinary tract stones. We retrospectively reviewed 156 patients who suffered infectious complications after MPCNL from March 2014 to February 2016. Perioperative risk factors that could potentially contribute to uroseptic shock were compared to those of patients with only SIRS. 135 of the 156 patients developed to SIRS only, the remaining 21 patients progressed to uroseptic shock. The rate of positive preoperative urine nitrite was significantly higher (p < 0.001), stone diameter was larger (p = 0.015) and operative time was longer (p < 0.001) in uroseptic shock group. Multivariable logistic analysis showed that preoperative urine nitrite (OR 10.570, p = 0.025), stone size (OR 11.512, p = 0.009) and postoperative blood leukopenia (OR 0.009, p < 0.001) were independently related to uroseptic shock. Moreover, ROC curve analysis showed that white blood count threshold within the first 3 h of uroseptic shock was 2.98 × 10⁹/L. The sensitivity and specificity of leukocyte count in predicting uroseptic shock were 90.5 and 92.6%, respectively. Preoperative urine nitrite, stone size and postoperative leukocyte count are statistically linked to uroseptic shock after MPCNL. Leukopenia of less than 2.98 × 10⁹/L within 3 h after MPCNL can be a predictor for uroseptic shock. For patients who have high risk factors for developing uroseptic shock, the white blood count should be measured within 3 h after MPCNL.

Management of symptomatic caliceal diverticular calculi: Minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy versus flexible ureterorenoscopy

Objective

To retrospectively evaluate appropriate treatment for patients with symptomatic caliceal diverticular calculi, by comparing the therapeutic outcomes for those undergoing minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL) and flexible ureterorenoscopy (F-URS).

Methods

From March 2009 to May 2014, 36 consecutive patients with caliceal diverticular calculi were divided into 2 groups: 21 patients underwent MPCNL, and 15 were treated by F-URS. All procedures were performed by one surgical group, which ensured relatively constant parameters. Patient characteristics, operative time, hospital stay after surgery, stone-free rate, symptomatic improvement rate, complications, diverticular obliteration, and stone composition were analyzed retrospectively in the 2 groups.

Results

Patient preoperative variables were comparable between the two groups, with no significant difference (P > 0.05). Mean operative time was 136.9 ± 22.8 min in the MPCNL group and 117.3 ± 24.3 min in the F-URS group (P = 0.019). Hospital stay was significantly longer in the MPCNL group than in the F-URS group (9.4 ± 3.1 vs. 6.9 ± 2.1 days, P = 0.010). The stone-free rates after MPCNL and F-URS were 90.5% (19/21) and 60.0% (9/15), respectively (P = 0.046). Additionally, 71.4% (15/21) of patients in the MPCNL group and 46.7% (7/15) of patients in the F-URS group had symptomatic improvement at the 6-month follow-up (P = 0.175); the rates of complications in the 2 groups were 19.0% (4/21) and 13.3% (2/15), respectively (P = 0.650). Complete diverticular obliteration was achieved in 16 (76.2%) cases in the MPCNL group and 5 (33.3%) cases in the F-URS group (P = 0.017). The distributions of calcium oxalate and hydroxyapatite in the stones were 66.7% (14/21) and 33.3% (7/21), respectively, in the MPCNL group; however, the distributions in the F-URS group were 46.7% (7/15) and 53.3% (8/15), respectively (P = 0.310).

Conclusion

MPCNL is an effective method for the treatment of caliceal diverticular calculi. However, F-URS is an alternative technique in selected patients with a patent infundibulum, despite lower stone-free rates than with MPCNL. Fulguration of the diverticular lining with a high-power holmium laser and permitting the cavity to collapse are useful to increase the chance of diverticular obliteration.

Comparison of minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy and flexible ureteroscopy for the treatment of intermediate proximal ureteral and renal stones in the elderly

The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes of flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) and minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mPNL) for the treatment of renal and/or proximal ureteral stones sized 1-2 cm in the elderly (≥60 years). Between January 2010 and March 2015, 184 consecutive mPNL and fURS were performed to treat intermediate renal and/or proximal ureteral stones in geriatric patients. The records were retrospectively reviewed and outcomes were compared. Although no significant difference was found in the complication rate between two groups, a statistical trend (p = 0.059) in favor of fURS was observed. In addition, multivariate analysis demonstrated that mPNL, preoperative positive urine culture and lower hemoglobin were independent risk factors for postoperative complication (p = 0.016, p = 0.021, p = 0.001, respectively). And fURS was significantly associated with less hemoglobin drop, red blood cell transfusion, analgesics requirement, postoperative hospital duration, and charges of laboratory tests, medical examinations and medications (p = 0.019, p = 0.037, p = 0.006, p = 0.000 and p = 0.007, p = 0.000, p = 0.000, p = 0.001, respectively), while higher costs of operations (p = 0.008). Receiver operating characteristic curve suggested a preoperative hemoglobin of 106.5 g/L as the threshold for predicting red blood cell transfusion after mPNL. The overall one-session stone-free rate of fURS at 1 month was lower (p = 0.006), while it was similar for solitary stone between two groups. Comorbidity and previous stone surgery did not affect postoperative complication and stone-free rate. This study shows that mPNL is more effective for multiple stones, but fURS is associated with potentially less complications and postoperative hospital stay. Furthermore, preoperative hemoglobin level and urine culture can be used to predict postoperative complication risk and they may be helpful in choosing treatment methods for the elderly.

Safety and efficacy of minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the treatment of patients with medullary sponge kidney

The purpose of this study was to review the safety and efficacy of the minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the treatment of medullary sponge kidney patients with complex renal calculi. Sixteen medullary sponge kidney patients with complex renal calculi underwent minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy procedures in our center were entered into this retrospective study. The data analyzed included patients' demographics, stone burden, operative time, operative blood loss, length of hospital stay, complications according to the modified Clavien system, and stone-free rate. All the patients in this study had complex renal stones that included 14 multiple stones and 3 partial staghorn calculi. The mean stone surface area was 779.5 ± 421.1 mm(2). Preoperative urinary tract infection was noted in 5 (31.2 %) patients. Minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy was successfully completed in 15 renal units in 14 patients. Two patients failed the procedure. The mean operative time was 87.3 ± 32.3 min. Mean hemoglobin drop was 25.3 ± 16.5 g/L. An initial stone-free rate of 60 % was achieved after the procedure, and the final stone-free rate was 86.6 % after auxiliary second look and/or shock-wave lithotripsy. Clavien grade I and II complications occurred in 3 (21.4 %) patients including the one (7.1 %) patient who required transfusion. All the complications were managed conservatively. No major complications occurred. This retrospective analysis confirmed that minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy was a safe alternative treatment for the medullary sponge kidney patients with complex renal calculi. This procedure provided an acceptable stone-free rate and low incidence of high-grade complications. Stone-free rate further could be further improved with auxiliary procedures.

Minimally invasive versus standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a meta-analysis

The aim of the study was to objectively analyze the outcomes for minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL) vs standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) by systematic review and meta-analysis of published data. A systematic literature review was performed in November 2014 using the PUBMED, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases to identify relevant studies. Only comparative studies investigating MPCNL vs PCNL were included. Effect sizes were estimated by pooled odds ratio (ORs) and mean differences (MDs). The analyzed outcomes were stone-free rate (SFR), blood loss, pain assessment, operative time, hospital stay and complications. We identified 8 trials with a total 749 patients. 353 patients were treated with MPCNL and 396 with PCNL. Meta-analysis of the data showed that there was no difference in SFR between MPCNL and PCNL (OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.71-1.58). Patients in the MPCNL group experienced less drop in hemoglobin (MD: -4.67 g/L, 95% CI -7.29 to -2.04), a lower incidence of blood transfusion (OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.06-0.54), less pain (visual analog score) (MD: -0.53, 95% CI -0.94 to -0.13) and shorter hospitalization (MD: -1.32 days, 95% CI -2.15 to -0.50). Operative time was longer in the MPCNL group (MD: 15.54 min, 95% CI 4.25-26.83). Postoperative fever and pyelocalyceal perforation did not differ between the groups (p = 0.38 and 0.44, respectively). Current evidence suggested that MPCNL was a safe and effective procedure with an SFR comparable to that of PCNL. MPCNL resulted in less bleeding, fewer transfusion, less pain and shorter hospitalization. Well-designed multicentric/international randomized, controlled trials are still needed.

Clinical observation of different minimally invasive surgeries for the treatment of impacted upper ureteral calculi

Objective: To compare the clinical effects of three minimally invasive surgeries on the treatment of impacted upper ureteral calculi.

Methods: 135 patients with impacted upper ureteral calculi were selected and randomly divided into three groups (Group A-C) (n=45), which were treated with transurethral ureteroscopic lithotripsy, minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy, and retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy respectively. Relevant results of the three groups were compared.

Results: The surgery time of Group C was significantly longer than those of Group A and Group B (P < 0.05). The postoperative hospitalization time of Group B was significantly longer than those of Group A and Group C (P < 0.05). 37.78% (17/45) of Group A patients required extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, being significantly more than those in Group B (6.67%, 3/45) and Group C (0, 0/45) (P < 0.05). The postoperative calculus clearance rate of Group A (51.11%, 82.22%) was significantly lower than those of Group B (91.11%, 97.78%) and Group C (93.33%, 100%) (P < 0.05). The incidence rates of postoperative complications in Group A-C were 11.11% (5/45), 8.89% (4/45) and 6.67% (3/45) respectively without significant differences (P > 0.05).

Conclusion: The three surgical methods for impacted upper ureteral calculi should be selected according to practical conditions to improve therapeutic effects and to ensure safe surgery.