Combined treatment of staghorn calculi by fiberoptic transurethral nephrolithotripsy and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.
BACKGROUND
Although various strategies have been proposed, the treatment of staghorn calculi is still controversial. We report on the treatment of 27 staghorn calculi using fiberoptic transurethral nephrolithotripsy (f-TUL) combined with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL).


METHODS
Stones were initially disintegrated by f-TUL as an inpatient procedure. For stone fragmentation, we originally used an electrohydraulic lithotriptor (EHL) but changed to a pulsed-dye laser in 1993. After the stones were disintegrated as much as possible, a double-J ureteral stent was inserted and the patient was discharged. ESWL for the residual fragments was begun on an outpatient basis at 1 or 2 weeks after f-TUL and repeated until the residual fragments were smaller than 4 mm.


RESULTS
Since 1989, 27 staghorn calculi in 26 patients have been treated. Among them, 21 were successfully fragmented using this combined treatment regimen. From 3 to 26 ESWL sessions (mean, 8.4 sessions) were required to disintegrate the staghorn calculi. Auxiliary percutaneous endourological procedures were necessary in 2 cases due to ureteral obstruction. The other 4 patients are still receiving ESWL for residual fragments. Urinary tract injury occurred in 2 patients early in this series when an EHL was used, but was managed without any surgical procedures. A fever greater than 38 degrees C developed in 9 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Combining f-TUL with ESWL provides an alternative treatment option for staghorn calculi. The use of a small caliber fiberscope (2.6 mm in diameter) and a laser for fragmentation decreased the risk of complications.
Mugiya
S
S
Department of Urology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Japan.
Suzuki
K
K
Ushiyama
T
T
Fujita
K
K
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007669:Kidney Calculi / Q000628:therapy*; D008096:Lithotripsy; D017602:Lithotripsy, Laser; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018666:Ureteroscopy