Does the use of fluoroscopy really affect the success rate of retrograde intrarenal surgery?

Fluoroscopy is used for access sheath insertion and postoperative control during retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) operation but with this technique both patient and operation team are exposed to radiation. The use of fluoroscopy is disadvantage for both patient and surgeon. Considering results of recent studies, it is clearly seen that fluoroscopy doesn't affect the success and complication rates of RIRS. In this study, we aimed to compare the results of both fluoroscopy and fluoroscopy-free groups, to show if there is a significant difference.

385 patients were included in the study and they were divided into two groups. 284 patients were in Group I where fluoroscopy was used. 101 patients were in Group II and fluoroscopy was not used The success rates of primary operation and final success rates were compared. Data from both groups were evaluated objectively using classification systems and imaging methods.

Success rates (primary and final) were higher in Group II, and that can be attributed to experience gained over time. Complication rate was lower and success rate was higher in fluoroscopy-free group. According to multivariate analysis, It is clear that the stone dimension is the foreground of the factors that influence the success, and the effect of the stone location is also observed.

When considering the comparison of success and complication rates between two groups, it is clearly understood that the use of fluoroscopy has not a positive effect on results. According to the outcomes of our study, fluoroscopy-free RIRS can be performed with safe and high success rates. This outcome also leads an important point for avoiding unnecessary radiation exposure.