Results
The mean age of the patients in LSE and control groups was 45.0±15.6 (median 45) and 42.5±18.7 (median 44), respectively and there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p=0.71). In addition, we did not find statistical significance between the two groups in terms of gender, side, previous history of failed SWL for same stone, maximum stone diameter, stone density, stone locations, and preoperative double J stent placement rates (p=0.77, p=0.37, p=0.77, p=0.21, p=0.72, p=0.29, and p=0.76, respectively). (Table 2)
Mean operation and fluoroscopy times were statistically indifferent to both groups (p=0.12, p=0.58 respectively). Stone free status of groups was similar (88% in LSE and 79% in the control group; p=0.33). There was no difference in complication rates between the two groups also (17% vs 13%, p=0.9). (Table 3)
Mild bleeding was observed in one patient in the LSE group, and minimal mucosal injury was observed in one patient in both groups perioperatively. Ureteral access could not be provided in one LSE patient and SWL was planned for a different session. Mucosal injury requiring stent insertion occurred in one patient from the control group. Two patients had fewer (one in LSE group which is requiring antipyretics and one in the control group which is requiring antibiotics). One patient had acute urine retention after double J stent removal (as Grade 2 complication in the control group). One patient developing renal colic for ureteral residual stone fragment underwent ureterorenoscopy (as Grade 3 complication in LSE group). All complications presented in Table 4 according to modified Satava and Clavien Classifications.
Fifty-four % (13/24) of LSE operations were performed by guest surgeons. It was the first time working with the staff in the OR for these surgeons. Perioperative and postoperative outcomes of the LSE group according to surgeons status are shown in Table 5. No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in any parameter.