Introduction

PCNL is the first-line therapy for large and complex renal calculi. To perform PCNL safely and effectively, the most important step is the formation of a nephrostomy tract and tract dilatation. Furthermore, as fine a nephroscope as possible is required for micro PCNL. In this clinical study, renal puncture using 20 G all-seeing needle and 4.8 Fr micro PCNL were performed for large renal stone using a micro-optic disposable scope.

Methods

The Φ0.65 mm scope with the High Definition Image Guide (HDIG) system reported in previous WCE held in Taiwan (2014) was adopted. The scope consists of an integrated light lead and the micro fiber optic including a Φ0.5 mm precise object lens and optical glass fiber, where real-time HD images can be seen through the digital image processing device. The scope can be set inside a 20 G puncture needle or 4.8 Fr metal sheath which can simultaneously include the micro-optic scope, 0.018 inch guidewire and 200 µm laser fiber. These devices are developed as part of a collaborative research with Takei Medical & Optical Co. Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan) and Sumita Optical Glass Inc. (Saitama, Japan) funded by Utsukushima Next-Generation Medical Industry Agglomeration Project between 2012 and 2014. After evaluating safety, optical quality and operation performance in an animal study, the clinical study authorized by the ethical committee of Okayama University Hospital was carried out from June 2013. The procedures of micro PCNL are as follows; ultrasound-guided renal puncture using 20 G all-seeing needle, removal of the scope followed by insertion of 0.018 inch guidewire, dilatation by metal introducer, insertion of 4.8 Fr metal sheath into renal calyx, insertion of the HDIG scope into the sheath, complete fragmentation of calculi by Ho-YAG LASER without removal of the fragments.

Results

A 68-year old male with renal calculi 21 mm in diameter in left lower calyx once underwent the puncture and the micro PCNL. After the operation, spontaneous discharge of fragmented calculi through lower urinary tract was observed and abdominal X-ray on POD 21 showed no fragment in his left kidney. No adverse event was occurred except slight elevation of serum creatinine during only a week postoperatively.

Conclusions

The micro-optic disposable scope with the HDIG system is extremely useful for safer puncture and finer PCNL. We are now planning to adopt it to percutaneous procedure for urothelial carcinoma in upper urinary tract.

Funding

None