RESUMEN
This case series aims to evaluate the use of alternating perpendicular biplanar fluoroscopy in percutaneous nephrostomies/percutaneous nephrolithotripsies (PCNs/PCNLs) to approach renal stones in patients with horseshoe kidneys. Between January 2012 and December 2019, PCNs/PCNLs were done for six patients with horseshoe kidneys having renal stones. Skin and renal calyceal entry points were determined by alternating perpendicular biplanar fluoroscopy using a portable C-arm machine in the conventional fluoroscopy unit. The site of renal access, postoperative complications, and residual stones was assessed. The mean age of the patients was 36.8 years. The mean stone size was 6.1 cm (2.1-16.05cm). In five out of six (5/6; 83%) patients, there was one access site. Four patients had their access site through the upper calyx, and one patient had it through the lower calyx. The stone-free rate was four out of six (4/6; 66.6%). One patient had a mild drop in hemoglobin postoperatively. There were no major complications reported. The implementation of alternating biplanar fluoroscopy was found safe and helpful in providing a better appreciation of renal anatomy and stone location in patients with horseshoe kidneys. This technique helps in approaching horseshoe kidney stones in PCN/PCNL without moving the patient or fluoroscopy machine, with a potential decrease in operation time and radiation exposure.
RESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Various transarterial embolotherapies for different hepatic etiologies are performed through the celiac axis (CA). However, this pathway is not always patent due to the extensive stenosis or occlusion of the origin of CA. In such situations, the pancreaticoduodenal arcades (PDAs) catheterization is the main alternative to gain access to the hepatic arteries as demonstrated in clinical studies. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report two cases of life-threating hepatic hemorrhage indicated for emergency transarterial embolization (TAE). DISCUSSION: The massive hemorrhage was due to spontaneous rupture of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the first case and due to post liver blunt trauma in the second case. Owing to severe stenosis of the origin of CA, PDAs were used as a salvage alternative route for emergency TAE of hepatic arteries. CONCLUSION: Endovascular management of massive hepatic hemorrhage in cases of inaccessibility to hepatic arteries through CA is a highly challenging situation in which the technical success depends on the operator experience, choice of the material and anatomical knowledge of hepatic arterial collateral supply.