Does prior PCNL affect RIRS? A retrospective analysis of a single center data.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to investigate the results and safety of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) in patients who have previously undergone percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis included patients who underwent RIRS for kidney stones between August 2018 and April 2023. Group 1 comprised 396 patients who underwent primary RIRS, while Group 2 included 231 individuals who had RIRS after previous PCNL. Evaluation parameters included preoperative characteristics, stone attributes, operative details, treatment outcomes, stone-free status, and complications. Statistical analysis utilized Student's t test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Pearson Chi-square test (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

The mean age, body mass index, stone number, mean stone burden, and SFS were not statistically different between the groups. Lower pole stones were identified in 144 patients in Group 1 and 88 patients in Group 2 (p = 0.315). In Group 1 and Group 2, the mean operation time and fluoroscopy time were 65.23 ± 18.1 min, 81.32 ± 14.3 min, 26.34 ± 8.31 s, 46.61 ± 7.6 s, respectively, showing statistically significant differences between the groups (p = 0.013, p < 0.001, respectively). Infundibulum stenosis was identified and treated with a laser in 12% of Group 2 cases. Complications occurred in 12 patients in Group 1 and 14 patients in Group 2 (p = 0.136).

CONCLUSION

A history of PCNL may contribute to extended operation times and increased fluoroscopy exposure in subsequent RIRS without significantly affecting postoperative SFS or complication rates.