Flexible ureteroscopy for large renal stones: Are we pushing the limits: A multi-center retrospective analysis | ||||
The Egyptian Journal of Surgery | ||||
Volume 43, Issue 3, July 2024, Page 855-860 PDF (268.62 K) | ||||
Document Type: Original Article | ||||
DOI: 10.21608/EJSUR.2024.357136 | ||||
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Authors | ||||
Hani Nour* 1; Hazem Elmansy* 2; Ayman Ali1; Younis Alshamsi3; Amr Hodhod2; Afaf Mogharbel3; Amin Fraij3; Mohamed Gadelmoula3; Ahlam Busaber3; Ahmad Ismaila1 | ||||
1Department of Urology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza | ||||
2Thundar Bay Regional Health Science Center, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Ontario, Canada | ||||
3AlQassimi Hospital, EHS, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates | ||||
Abstract | ||||
Background: Managing large renal stones presents challenges. While percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PCNL) is the gold standard, flexible ureteroscopy (f-URS) with laser technology has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative. Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of f-URS for renal stones larger than 20 mm in three centers and identify factors that influence stone-free rates (SFR). Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 423 patients who underwent f-URS with holmium laser lithotripsy for renal stones greater than or equal to 20 mm between January 2021 and October 2023 was conducted. Data from three centers in UAE, Canada, and Egypt were analyzed. Stone size, site, density, preoperative stenting, operative time, postoperative complications, and SFR at 30 days were assessed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors influencing SFR. Results: A total of 103 patients met the inclusion criteria. The median stone size was 25 mm. Preoperative stents were inserted in around half of the cohort. Disposable f-URS and ureteral access sheath were used in the majority of patients. Median operative time was 94 min. Postoperative complications occurred in 21%. Significant residual fragments were assessed 30 days postoperatively, around 50% of the study cohort required auxiliary procedures. Univariate analysis revealed no significant associations between SFR and stone size, location, number, density, or preoperative stenting. Conclusion: In this multi-center study, f-URS with holmium laser lithotripsy could not achieve decent early stone-free rates for large renal stones, further research is needed to optimize treatment strategies for large renal stones. | ||||
Keywords | ||||
Flexible ureteroscopy; laser; renal; stones | ||||
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