[Sealing of percutaneous nephrolithotomy access after complete stone removal with a hemostyptic gelatin powder (Spongostan)]

Abstract

Purposes: Parallel to the pilot project of Lee et al. which was published in February 2004, we also considered the possibility to seal the percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) access after complete stone removal via the local amplatz sheath. We started our project with the aims of increasing postoperative patient comfort, minimizing the risk of bleeding, and reducing postoperative cost and length of the hospital stay by performing this minimally invasive technique in 7 patients with medium stone burden.

Materials and methods: All patients were treated by removing stones via a working channel passing through the lower pole calix. After complete stone removal a hemostyptic gelatin powder (Spongostan, Johnson & Johnson) was prepared to a doughy paste, some drops of contrast medium were added and the whole material was introduced through the amplatz sheath into the working channel under imaging control. Imaging-controlled insertion of the doughy gelatin clot through the amplatz sheath into the parenchymal part of the channel alone resulted in immediate hemostasis in all patients. The amplatz sheath was retracted over a 28 Fr. rectal tube which was used to push the gelatin forward. There was no need for an additional tamponade of the renal fat capsule or the abdominal wall. After 2 minutes when no channel bleeding was apparent, the skin sutures were placed.

Results: Bleeding of the nephrostomy tract did not occur in any of the 7 patients. Average operating time was 50 minutes which was not significantly reduced by performing the new procedure. However, the hospital stay was reduced by 2 days. Two of the patients showed a single fever episode during the second postoperative evening. All patients presented with steady postoperative laboratory values without evidence of bleeding. Free urinary flow from the collecting system was controlled by means of ultrasound and urography.

Conclusions: Similar to the recent usage of FloSeal/Baxter reported by Lee et al. we can confirm very reliable and immediate hemostasis using a pasty preparation of Spongostan (Johnson and Johnson) gelatin powder which was classified as being less toxic by the FDA in 2003 due to the lack of glutaraldehyde and bovine thrombin. Therefore, tubeless PCNL can be used for complete percutaneous clearance of stones without bleeding.