Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of laparoendoscopic single-site nephrolithotomy (LESS-NL) for symptomatic caliceal diverticular calculi.
Patients and methods: From November 2009 to March 2014, 11 cases of LESS-NL with a homemade single-port device for caliceal diverticular calculi were performed by a single experienced laparoscopic surgeon. All patients were assessed at postoperative 1 month, 1 year, and 3 years for symptom-free status and by CT for stone-free and caliceal diverticular obliteration status. All complications were categorized by the Clavien-Dindo classification. Demographic parameters and postoperative outcomes were retrospectively analyzed.
Results: All procedures were effectively performed without conversion to open or conventional laparoscopic surgery. Median patient age was 53 years (range 22-73), and median diverticular size was 26 mm (range 15-58). Six patients (54.5%) had multiple stones, and five patients (45.5%) had a single stone; median stone size was 20.6 mm (range 12.1-66.4). The transperitoneal approach was used in seven patients (63.6%) and retroperitoneal approach in four patients (36.4%). Median operative time was 161 minutes (range 110-250), median estimated blood loss was 50 mL (range 20-400), and median hospital stay was 4 days (range 3-6). An additional needlescopic instrument was used in five cases (45.5%). There were three cases (27.3%) of grade I complications (two postoperative fever, one ileus), and no intraoperative or major complications. Median visual analog scale score significantly improved by discharge day (from 4.9 preoperatively to 1.4; p = 0.003). After a median follow-up of 38 months (range 36-41), all patients were symptom free with no evidence of stone or caliceal diverticulum on imaging.
Conclusions: LESS-NL is a safe, feasible, and definitive treatment option for symptomatic caliceal diverticular calculi.
Keywords: calculi; diverticulum; kidney; laparoscopy; treatment outcome.