Management of Medium Sized Renal Stones

Overview

Urinary stone disease is a common urological condition that affects millions of people worldwide, often leading to significant morbidity and healthcare costs. Medium-sized renal stones, typically defined as stones measuring 1 to 2 cm in diameter, pose a particular challenge in management. These stones are large enough to potentially cause significant obstruction and symptoms, yet their size and location make selecting an optimal treatment modality crucial for achieving favorable outcomes with minimal complications. Historically, open surgery was the primary intervention for large or complex stones. However, the advent of minimally invasive techniques has revolutionized stone management, allowing for more effective and patient-friendly approaches. Among these, Super-mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (SMP), flexible uretero-renoscopy (F-URS), and shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) have emerged as minimally invasive modalities for managing medium-sized renal stones. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes; safety, efficacy, and complications associated with SMP versus F-URS Versus SWL in the management of reanl stones 10-20 mm in diameter.

1. SWL All cases will be treated as day care procedures, under analgesia without any anesthesia. Dornier MedTech (Compact Delta II), an electromagnetic shock wave lithotripter will be used. Patients will be treated in supine position and the calculus will be localized by using X-ray or Ultrasound. All sessions will be performed by a single technician under the supervision of a urology consultant. Shock waves will be delivered at the rate of 60-80 per minute with a maximum of 2500 shocks per session of treatment. Session will be started with low energy waves and gradually increased according to patient tolerability. A maximum of 2 sessions spaced two weeks apart. All patients will be advised to drink lots of fluids and maintain active lifestyle and skipping exercises if possible. Prior to every sitting an X-ray KUB will be obtained to see for the state of clearance of stone. 2. Tubeless Super mini-PCNL (SMP) Modified technique will be performed in prone position using 14 Fr Amplatz sheath with the use of Karl Stroz semi rigid ureteroscope, Holmium Laser. Lithotripsy will be achieved by means of Holmium laser fiber 365 um. Ureteric catheter will be removed after 24 hours unless there is indications for JJ stent insertion ( eg. Only functioning kidney, perforation, etc) 3. F-URS A sensor guide wire was placed into the renal pelvis via rigid ureteroscope. A 11-13 Fr access sheath will be placed into the ureter, if possible. After ureteral access was obtained, a 8 Fr flexible ureteroscope will be used for the stone treatment. The stones disintegration by holmium laser fibers. At the end of the procedure, a ureteral stent (JJ stent or Ureteric catheter) will be inserted