Randomized study of percutaneous ureteroscopic plasma column electrode decortication and laparoscopic decortication in managing simple renal cyst

BACKGROUND: To assess the safety and efficacy of a novel technology referred to as percutaneous ureteroscopic plasma column electrode (PCE) by comparing laparoscopic decortication in the management of simple renal cyst (SRC). METHODS: Between March 2016 and June 2017, 53 patients with SRCs were randomized to divided into two groups, the PCE group (24 patients), or laparoscope group (29 patients). The operative time, blood loss, days of drainage, catheter, and hospital stay and complications were compared with the two groups. All patients were followed- up to 6 months after treatment. RESULTS: No patients had intraoperative complications such as hemopneumothorax, adjacent organ injury, infection or hemorrhage shock. In the PCE group and laparoscope group: the mean operation time was 34.1±8.2 vs. 58.4±16.7 min (P<0.05). The mean blood loss was 2.0±1.16 vs. 9.7±4.09 mL (P<0.05). The mean postoperative indwelling drainage tube time was 2.5±1.5 vs. 2.9±1.09 d (P>0.05). The mean intra-urethral indwelling catheter time was 2.1±0.88 vs. 2.0±1.15 d (P>0.05). The mean postoperative hospital stay was 3.0±1.7 vs. 3.7±1.53 (P>0.05). One patient in electrode group was suffered from rupture of the collecting system during the operation, and was treated by indwelling D-J stent. During follow up, no cysts recurrence was found. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous ureteroscopic PCE decortication is a safe, minimally invasive and effective therapy to treat SRCs, with equal efficacy and advantages in shortening the operation time and reducing the amount of intraoperative bleeding compared with laparoscopic decortication.