Mahesh Desai

The Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Global Study: Indications, Complications, and Outcomes in 5803 Patients

PURPOSE To assess the current indications, perioperative morbidity, and stone-free outcomes for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) worldwide. PATIENTS AND METHODS The Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society (CROES) collected prospective data for consecutive patients who were treated with PCNL at centers around the world for 1 year. PCNL was performed according to study protocol and local clinical practice guidelines. Stone load and location were recorded, and postoperative complications were graded according to the modified Clavien grading system. RESULTS Between November 2007 and December 2009, 5803 patients were treated at 96 centers in Europe, Asia, North America, South America, and Australia. Staghorn calculus was present in 1466 (27.5%) patients, and 940, 956, and 2603 patients had stones in the upper, interpolar, and lower pole calices, respectively. The majority of procedures (85.5%) were uneventful. Major procedure-related complications included significant bleeding (7.8%), renal pelvis perforation (3.4%), and hydrothorax (1.8%). Blood transfusion was administered in 328 (5.7%) patients, and fever >38.5°C occurred in 10.5% of patients. The distribution of scores in modified Clavien grades was: No complication (79.5%), I (11.1%), II (5.3%), IIIa (2.3%), IIIb (1.3%), IVa (0.3%), IVb (0.2%), or V (0.03%). At follow-up. the 30-day stone-free rate was 75.7%, and 84.5% of patients did not need additional treatment. CONCLUSION With a high success rate and a low major complication rate, PCNL is an effective and safe technique overall for minimally invasive removal of kidney stones.

Scarless single port transumbilical nephrectomy and pyeloplasty: first clinical report

Associate Editor

Single port transumbilical (E-NOTES) donor nephrectomy.

PURPOSE We present the initial 4 patients undergoing single port transumbilical live donor nephrectomy. Scar-free abdominal surgery via natural body orifices is called NOTES (natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery). In a similar manner the umbilicus, an embryonic (E) natural orifice, permits abdominal access with hidden scar of entry. We propose the term E-NOTES for embryonic natural orifice transumbilical endoscopic surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS Through an intra-umbilical incision a novel single access tri-lumen R-port was inserted into the abdomen. No extra-umbilical skin incisions were made whatsoever. A 2 mm Veress needle port, inserted via skin needle puncture to establish pneumoperitoneum, was used to selectively insert a needlescopic grasper for tissue retraction. Donor kidney was pre-entrapped and extracted transumbilically. RESULTS E-NOTES donor nephrectomy was successful in all 4 patients. Median operating time was 3.3 hours, blood loss was 50 cc, warm ischemia time was 6.2 minutes and hospital stay was 3 days. Median length of harvested renal artery was 3.3 cm, renal vein 4 cm and ureter 15 cm. No intraoperative complications occurred. Donor visual analog scores were 0/10 at 2 weeks. Each allograft functioned immediately on transplantation. CONCLUSIONS The initial experience with E-NOTES donor nephrectomy is encouraging. Excellent donor vascular and tissue dissection could be performed, and a quality donor kidney was retrieved transumbilically without any extra-umbilical skin incision. E-NOTES donor nephrectomy appears to have relevance and promise, especially for this typically younger, altruistic population. Natural orifices present an unprecedented opportunity for scar-free surgery.

Laparoendoscopic Single-site Surgery: Initial Hundred Patients

OBJECTIVES To report our initial experience with laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) surgery in 100 patients in urology. METHODS Between October 2007 and December 2008, we performed LESS urologic procedures in 100 patients for various indications. These included nephrectomy (N = 34; simple 14, radical 3, donor 17), nephroureterectomy (N = 2), partial nephrectomy (N = 6), pyeloplasty (N = 17), transvesical simple prostatectomy (N = 32), and others (N = 9). Data were prospectively collected in a database approved by the Institutional Review Board. All procedures were performed using a novel single-port device (r-Port) and a varying combination of standard and specialized bent/articulating laparoscopic instruments. Robotic assistance was used to perform LESS pyeloplasty (N = 2) and simple prostatectomy (N = 1). In addition to standard perioperative data, we obtained data on postdischarge analgesia requirements, time to complete convalescence, and time to return to work. RESULTS In the study period, LESS procedures accounted for 15% of all laparoscopic cases by the authors for similar indications. Conversion to standard multiport laparoscopy was necessary in 3 cases, addition of a single 5-mm port was necessary in 3 cases, and conversion to open surgery was necessary in 4 cases. On death occurred following simple prostatectomy in a Jehovahs Witness due to patient refusal to accept transfusion following hemorrhage. Intra- and postoperative complications occurred in 5 and 9 cases, respectively. Mean operative time was 145, 230, 236, and 113 minutes and hospital stay was 2, 2.9, 2, and 3 days for simple nephrectomy, donor nephrectomy, pyeloplasty, and simple prostatectomy, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The LESS surgery is technically feasible for a variety of ablative and reconstructive applications in urology. With proper patient selection, conversion and complications rates are low. Improvement in instrumentation and technology is likely to expand the role of LESS in minimally invasive urology.

Single-Step Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (Microperc): The Initial Clinical Report

PURPOSE To our knowledge we report the first technical feasibility and safety study of 1-step percutaneous nephrolithotomy using the previously described 4.85Fr all-seeing needle (PolyDiagnost, Pfaffenhofen, Germany). We defined microperc as modified percutaneous nephrolithotomy in which renal access and percutaneous nephrolithotomy are done in 1 step using the all-seeing needle. MATERIALS AND METHODS Microperc was performed in 10 cases using the 4.85Fr all-seeing needle to achieve collecting system access under direct vision. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy was done through the same 16 gauge needle sheath with a 3-way connector allowing irrigation, and passage of a flexible telescope and a 200 μm holmium:YAG laser fiber. We prospectively analyzed preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative parameters. RESULTS Mean calculous size was 14.3 mm. Two of the 10 patients were of pediatric age, and 1 each had an ectopic pelvic kidney, chronic kidney disease and obesity. Microperc was feasible in all cases with mean ± SD surgeon visual analog score for access of 3.1 ± 1.2, a mean 1.4 ± 1.0 gm/dl hemoglobin decrease and a mean hospital stay of 2.3 ± 1.2 days. The stone-free rate at 1 month was 88.9%. In 1 patient intraoperative bleeding obscured vision, requiring conversion to mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy. There were no postoperative complications and no auxiliary procedures were required. CONCLUSIONS Microperc is technically feasible, safe and efficacious for small volume renal calculous disease. Further clinical studies and direct comparison with available modalities are required to define the place of microperc in the treatment of nonbulky renal urolithiasis.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy for complex pediatric renal calculus disease.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Pediatric renal calculus disease has been a management dilemma in view of the concern about the effects of the various treatment modalities on the growing kidney, the significant recurrence rate, and the long-term outcome. We report our experience with percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) monotherapy in staghorn or complex pediatric renal calculi. PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the case records of 116 patients younger than 15 years who underwent PCNL. The stones included 56 complex calculi. We defined complex calculi as either staghorn (complete or partial) or those with a large bulk and involving more than one calix, the upper ureter, or both. RESULTS Complete clearance was achieved in 50 patients (89.8%). Of these, 22 (39%) required a single tract, while 34 (61%) required multiple tracts. With subsequent SWL, the clearance rate increased to 96%. The average hemoglobin drop was 1.9 g/dL. Assessing the factors affecting the hemoglobin drop, the number of tracts and the size of tracts were found to be significant (P<0.01). The average change in the serum creatinine concentration between the preoperative and postoperative measurements was +0.03 mg/dL and was not different in patients with a single tract and those with multiple tracts (+0.02 and +0.04 mg/dL, respectively; P=NS). Intravenous urography done in 36 renal units postoperatively revealed good function in all. A DMSA renal scan in six children showed no scar. CONCLUSIONS Monotherapy with PCNL is safe and effective in the management of staghorn and complex renal calculi in single hospital stay. Ultrasound-guided peripheral caliceal puncture and limiting the tract dilatation to 22F are important factors in reducing the blood loss. Multiple tracts increase the hemoglobin drop but are not associated with an increased risk of complications (bleeding, postoperative infection, and prolonged urinary leak). Also, there is no deterioration in renal function after either single- or multiple-tract PCNL.

LAPAROSCOPIC CROSS-TRIGONAL COHEN URETERONEOCYSTOSTOMY: NOVEL TECHNIQUE

PURPOSE We describe a novel technique of laparoscopic transvesical cross-trigonal Cohen anti-reflux ureteroneocystostomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS A 10, an 11 and a 32-year-old patient with symptomatic unilateral vesicoureteral reflux underwent laparoscopic cross-trigonal ureteral reimplantation. Two 5 mm. balloon tip ports were suprapubically inserted into the bladder. Using a transurethral resectoscope with a Collins knife a 4 to 5 cm. cross-trigonal submucosal trough was created from the refluxing ureteral orifice to the contralateral side of the bladder. The refluxing ureteral orifice and intramural ureter were completely mobilized intravesically, advanced transtrigonally and secured to the detrusor muscle at the apex of the trough with 3 deep interrupted sutures. The elevated mucosal flaps of the trough were suture approximated over the ureter to create a submucosal tunnel. All suturing was performed by freehand laparoscopic technique. RESULTS Operative time was between 2.5 and 4.5 hours and blood loss was 10 to 50 cc. Adequate submucosal trough creation, ureteral extravesical mobilization and intravesical advancement, and bladder mucosal flap reapproximation were done to create a submucosal tunnel in all cases. Satisfactory transtrigonal anchoring of the neoureteral orifice to the detrusor muscle and mucosa was achieved with 3 stitches. Hospital stay was 2, 2 and 1 days in the 3 cases, and the Foley catheter remained in place for 3, 1 and 1 week, respectively. At 6 months reflux had resolved in 2 patients, while in 1 grade II reflux persisted, which was improved from grade IV preoperatively. All patients have remained infection-free without antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS Laparoscopic transvesical cross-trigonal antireflux ureteral reimplantation is technically feasible. Intravesical laparoscopic suturing is possible. Potential advantages include a decreased hospital stay, decreased narcotic requirement and better cosmesis. Further experience is necessary to refine the technical nuances and evaluate outcomes compared to the open technique.

Incidence, Prevention, and Management of Complications Following Percutaneous Nephrolitholapaxy

CONTEXT Incidence, prevention, and management of complications of percutaneous nephrolitholapaxy (PNL) still lack consensus. OBJECTIVE To review the epidemiology of complications and their prevention and management. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION A literature review was performed using the PubMed database between 2001 and May 1, 2011, restricted to human species, adults, and the English language. The Medline search used a strategy including medical subject headings (MeSH) and free-text protocols with the keywords percutaneous, nephrolithotomy, PCNL, PNL, urolithiasis, complications, and Clavien, and the MeSH terms nephrostomy, percutaneous/adverse effects, and intraoperative complications or postoperative complications. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS Assessing the epidemiology of complications is difficult because definitions of complications and their management still lack consensus. For a reproducible quality assessment, data should be obtained in a standardized manner, allowing for comparison. An approach is the validated Dindo-modified Clavien system, which was originally reported by seven studies. No deviation from the normal postoperative course (Clavien 0) was observed in 76.7% of PNL procedures. Including deviations from the normal postoperative course without the need for pharmacologic treatment or interventions (Clavien 1) would add up to 88.1%. Clavien 2 complications including blood transfusion and parenteral nutrition occurred in 7%; Clavien 3 complications requiring intervention in 4.1.%; Clavien 4, life-threatening complications, in 0.6%; and Clavien 5, mortality, in 0.04%. High-quality data on complication management of rare but potentially debilitating complications are scarce and consist mainly of case reports. CONCLUSIONS Complications after PNL can be kept to a minimum in experienced hands with the development of new techniques and improved technology. A modified procedure-specific Clavien classification should be established that would need to be validated in prospective trials.

The “All-Seeing Needle”: Initial Results of an Optical Puncture System Confirming Access in Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

BACKGROUND In percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL), the best possible way to access the collecting system is still a matter of debate. There is little possibility of correcting a suboptimal access. OBJECTIVE To describe our initial experience using a micro-optical system through a specific puncture needle to confirm the quality of the chosen access prior to dilatation of the operating tract. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Micro-optics of 0.9- and 0.6-mm diameter were used. The micro-optic with integrated light lead was inserted through the working sheath of the puncture needle. The modified needle had a 1.6-mm (4.85-Fr) outer diameter. The optical fiber was connected via a zoom ocular and light adapter to a standard endoscopic camera system. For sufficient intraoperative sight, an irrigation system was connected. INTERVENTION The optical puncture needle was used in 15 patients for renal access prior to standard PNL procedures. MEASUREMENTS The optical assessment included determination of the distortion, resolution, angle, and field of view. The irrigation flow was assessed in an ex vivo setting, with the puncture stylet or the needle shaft either empty or with a 0.018-in guidewire inserted. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS In all cases, visualization of the punctured kidney calyces was successful and the presence of the target calculi could be confirmed prior to guidewire placement and tract dilation. The 0.9-mm optic was found to be significantly superior in all optical parameters in contrast to the 0.6-mm optic. No significant complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS The optical puncture needle for PNL appears to be most helpful for confirming the optimal percutaneous access to the kidney prior to dilation of the nephrostomy tract, improving the safety of the technique.

The Dretler stone cone: A device to prevent ureteral stone migration: The initial clinical experience

PURPOSE Retrograde stone migration during ureteroscopic lithotripsy occurs in 5% to 40% of proximal and distal ureteral stone cases. This migration increases morbidity and the need for auxiliary procedures. The Dretler stone cone (Medsource, Norwell, Massachusetts) is a novel device to prevent proximal stone migration and facilitate fragment extraction during ureteroscopic lithotripsy. We assessed the safety and efficacy of the Dretler stone cone in the clinical setting and compared it prospectively with a conventional flat wire basket during ureteroscopy for ureteral calculi. MATERIALS AND METHODS To our knowledge we report the initial clinical use of the Dretler stone cone in 50 consecutive patients with ureteral calculi undergoing ureteroscopic extraction. Calculi were situated above the sacroiliac joint in 24 cases, over the sacroiliac joint in 15 and below the sacroiliac joint in 11. Pneumatic lithotripsy was done in 42 cases. In the remaining 8 cases ureteroscopic (3) or fluoroscopic (5) intact stone extraction was performed. The later 23 cases using the Dretler stone cone were prospectively compared with 20 of ureteroscopic intracorporeal lithotripsy using a standard flat wire basket. RESULTS The Dretler stone cone was successfully placed in all 50 cases. In 41 patients it was placed via cystoscopy under fluoroscopic guidance, while 9 impacted stones required ureteroscopic placement. Six patients in whom the Dretler stone cone was used had residual fragments less than 3 mm. No patient required auxiliary procedures. In the prospective trial no patients in Dretler stone cone group had residual fragments greater than 3 mm. or required auxiliary procedures. However, in the flat wire basket group residual stones greater than 3 mm. were present in 6 cases (30%, p <0.001), while auxiliary procedures were required in 4 (20%, p <0.01). CONCLUSIONS The Dretler stone cone represents a new generation of basketry that minimizes proximal ureteral stone migration and allows safe extraction of fragments during ureteroscopic lithotripsy. In our experience it is associated with a lower incidence of significant residual fragments and fewer auxiliary procedures than conventional flat wire baskets.