Clinical Outcomes of Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery as a Primary Treatment for Staghorn Calculi: A Single-Center Experience

Abstract

Objective: We investigated the efficacy and safety of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) as a primary treatment for staghorn calculi. Methods: From 2012 to 2016, we identified 39 patients with staghorn calculi who received RIRS as a primary treatment. During the study period, no staghorn calculi were treated primarily with percutaneous nephrolithotomy or any other modality. A stone-free status after RIRS was defined as no detectable stone fragments on X-rays or computed tomography scans. Results: Of 39 patients who received 134 procedures (median 3 procedures per patient; range: 1-11; mean stone length: 60.5 ± 23.0 mm), 18 (46%) and 21 (54%) had staghorn calculi <60 and >60 mm in maximum length, respectively. The stone-free rates after the first and final procedures were 21% (8 of 39) and 62% (24 of 39), respectively; overall, 39% (7 of 18) and 78% (14 of 18), respectively, for the 18 patients with <60 mm staghorn calculi; and 5% (1 of 21) and 48% (10 of 21), respectively, for the 21 patients with >60 mm calculi. Multivariate analysis revealed a maximum stone length >60 mm to be the only independent predictor of a stone-free status after the first and final procedures. During the treatment series, perioperative complications occurred in 16 (41%) patients. Only one patient presented with a Clavien-Dindo grade III complication (malposition of a ureteral stent). Conclusions: RIRS is a safe and effective treatment option for staghorn calculi.