[Subcapsular renal hematomas after ureteroscopic lithotripsy].

INTRODUCTION: Renal hematomas (RH) are a rare complication of retrograde endoscopic lithotripsy (REL). This study aimed to investigate the incidence and causes of RH after REL in patients with ureteral stones of different locations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2001 to 2016, 1214 REL were performed at the Urology Clinic of the Mechnikov NWSMU. The analyzes of patients who had RH after REL included the following parameters: age, gender, history of upper urinary tract (UUT) surgery and concomitant diseases (diabetes mellitus, hypertension), the baseline kidney function, the stone characteristics and the degree of hydronephrosis observed in the postoperative period, results of laboratory tests, ultrasound and spiral computed tomography (SCT) of the kidneys.

RESULTS: Renal hematomas were diagnosed in 4 (0.3%) of 1214 patients aged 36 to 50 years who had obstructive upper ureteral stones measuring from 0.8 to 1.2 cm in diameter. Three of them previously had UUT surgery: two had REL, and one female patient with a solitary left kidney twice underwent percutaneous nephro- and ureterolithotripsy. All four patients had a triad of symptoms: side flank pain, fever, and anemia. In three patients hematomas were diagnosed on day 2-3 and in one it was found two weeks after the surgery. Two of them were managed with conservative therapy, including bed rest and antibiotics. One patient underwent an ultrasound guided puncture and drainage of the hematoma. In the patient with a solitary kidney, laparoscopic drainage of RH was performed due to growing hematoma and aggravating renal insufficiency. Two patients received blood transfusions. Follow-up kidney SCT showed complete resolution of hematomas in all patients.

CONCLUSION: Renal hematomas are a rare but serious complication of REL. The presence of side flank pain, fever and anemia may be indicative of REL and requires a kidney ultrasound. Management of RH should be patient specific, depending on the severity of the patients condition.