title: Value of CT angiography in reducing the risk of hemorrhage associated with mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the clinical value of computed tomography angiography (CTA) in reducing the risk of hemorrhage associated with mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 158 patients with renal or ureter stones who had undergone mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy were retrospectively enrolled into this study from May of 2011 to April of 2014. Group 1 (65 patients) underwent computed tomography angiography, and Group 2 (93 patients) underwent non-contrast CT. The clinical characteristics of the patients and hemorrhagic complications were recorded. The hematologic complications (transfusion rate, and preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin values) were assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no statistically significant differences in age, body mass index(BMI), stone diameter, operative time, stone-free rate, and hospital stay between the 2 groups. In group 2, 1 patient (1.1%) developed a renal arteriovenous fistula and was treated with embolus therapy. In addition, Group 2 showed significantly drop in hemoglobin (3.6 g/dL vs. 2.4 g/dL, respectively; P < 0.001) and more transfusions (9.7% vs. 1.5%, respectively; P < 0.05) compared with Group 1.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study showed that patients who underwent computed tomography angiography prior to percutaneous nephrolithotomy had lower drop of hemoglobin and needed less transfusions. These findings may suggest that the use of computed tomography angiography may reduce the risk of bleeding during percutaneous nephrolithotomy.
authors.affiliation: Southern Medical University , Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China.|Department of Urology, Dongguan people's Hospital, Dongguan 523059, Guangdong, P.R. China.
authors.forename: Xiang-Jun
authors.initials: XJ
authors.lastname: Meng
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Dongguan people's Hospital, Dongguan 523059, Guangdong, P.R. China.
authors.forename: Qi-Wu
authors.initials: QW
authors.lastname: Mi
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Dongguan people's Hospital, Dongguan 523059, Guangdong, P.R. China.
authors.forename: Tao
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hu
authors.affiliation: Southern Medical University , Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China.|Department of Urology, Guangzhou first people's Hospital 510180, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China.
authors.forename: Wei-De
authors.initials: WD
authors.lastname: Zhong
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000792:Angiography / Q000379:methods; D001803:Blood Transfusion / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000098:blood supply*; D007669:Kidney Calculi / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009403:Nephrostomy, Percutaneous / Q000009:adverse effects*; D061646:Operative Time; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D014055:Tomography, Emission-Computed; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D006454:Hemoglobins