Background and Purpose: In PCNL (percutaneous nephrolithotomy), placement of the access tract into the kidney is an important aspect of the procedure and is responsible for the steep learning curve associated with the operation.
The aim of the current prospective randomized trial was to assess the duration of radiation exposure along with the safety and efficacy of PCNL done by a trainee utilizing either US (Ultrasonography) or fluoroscopic guidance to obtain access.
Patients and Methods: 64 patients with ≤ 3cm renal calculi undergoing single tract PCNL by trainee urologists (experience of < 25 PCNL's) were randomized into US and fluoroscopic guided access groups (32 in each). Group1 (US-guided):puncture done using a 3.5/5MHz US probe with a puncture attachment while "triangulation" technique with biplanar C-arm fluoroscopy utilized in Group2 (fluoroscopic-guided). Patient demographics, stone parameters, intraoperative characteristics, fluoroscopy durations and postoperative outcomes were analyzed.
Results: Both groups were comparable as far as patient and stone characteristics were concerned. The fluoroscopy exposure during the puncture phase (T2) and overall (T) was significantly lower in US group at 9.0 ± 20.8 vs. 43.8 ± 34.8,(p< 0.0001) and 204.3 ± 84 vs.239.9 ± 77.5,(p=0.04). Six patients in the group1 required fluoroscopic adjustment (p=0.03). All other intra and postoperative parameters were similar in both the groups.
Conclusion: Both ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance for renal access are equally safe and feasible in the hands of a trainee urologist. Total fluoroscopy duration and exposure time during puncture were both significantly less in ultrasound group. Expertise in fluoroscopic guided access is essential for a novice to successfully achieve access in all possible situations.
Written by:
Jagtap J, Mishra S, Bhattu A, Ganpule A, Sabnis RB, Desai M. Are you the author?
Muljibhai Patel Urological Hospital, Urology , Dr Virendra Desai Road, Nadiad , Nadiad, Gujarat, India.
Reference: J Endourol. 2014 Oct 2. Epub ahead of print.
doi: 10.1089/end.2014.0229.ECC
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 25275412