Single Specialty-Operated Renal Stone Removal: Initial Experience from 3 Interventional Radiology Centers

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Medical Device Technology

Background:

• Percutaneous renal stone removal is a common urological procedure.
• The use of flexible ureteroscopes has advanced minimally invasive treatment options for kidney stones.
• Evaluating novel technologies like single-use endoscopes is crucial for improving patient outcomes and procedural efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and safety of percutaneous renal stone removal utilizing single-use flexible ureteroscopes.
• To determine the procedural success rate and complication profile associated with this technique.
• To evaluate the efficacy of single-use flexible ureteroscopes in resolving urinary obstruction caused by renal calculi.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis was performed across three academic centers.
• Data from 12 patients undergoing 14 percutaneous renal stone removal procedures between December 2021 and March 2023 were reviewed.
• Key metrics included procedural success, adverse events, nephrostomy tube removal rates, and procedure/fluoroscopy times.

Main Results:

• A high procedural success rate of 92% was achieved.
• All patients reported symptom improvement and resolution of urinary obstruction post-procedure.
• No major adverse events were recorded, and the percutaneous nephrostomy removal rate was 92% with a median removal time of 5 weeks.

Conclusions:

• Percutaneous renal stone removal using single-use flexible ureteroscopes is a feasible and safe option.
• This approach demonstrates promising results in terms of efficacy and patient safety.
• Interventional radiologists can effectively utilize single-use endoscopes for percutaneous kidney stone management.