Lessons from Literature: Nephrostomy Versus Double J Ureteral Catheterization in Patients with Obstructive Urolithiasis-Which Method Is Superior?

To review the literature on optimal methods of drainage for obstructive urolithiasis in adult patients, comparing percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) with retrograde ureteral catheterization (Double J [JJ]) regarding success of procedure, efficacy, complications, quality of life (QoL), and costs. Web of Science and the Medline, Embase, Emcare, and Cochrane controlled trial databases were searched for all relevant publications until November 2018. A review protocol was created, using the PRISMA statement. Two reviewers independently screened the titles and abstracts in Endnote X8, using criteria as stated in the research protocol. A total of 1108 abstracts were screened of which 9 were included in the qualitative synthesis. Level of evidence of the studied articles varies between 1b and 2c. Both JJ and PCN have high success rates (80%-100% and 99%-100%, respectively). No major complications were reported in both groups. Procedural and fluoroscopy times are significantly shorter for JJ than for PCN (31-33 minutes 35-49 minutes and 5 minutes 7 minutes, respectively). Time to clinical improvement did not differ. In the JJ group, analgesics were used more frequently than in the PCN group. Data regarding procedural costs were contradictory, but overall the PCN group was associated with higher costs. In pregnant women, PCN placement appears to be significantly more effective than placement of JJ. A significant decrease between pre- and postintervention QoL was found with patients receiving a JJ. Back pain was reported more frequently in the PCN group, urinary symptoms were more common in the patients with a JJ. Both PCN and JJ have comparable success rates for patients with obstructive urolithiasis and procedure-related complications are rare. Overall, higher rates of sepsis, longer hospital stay, and higher costs were found in the PCN group, but that could be explained by patient selection. Patients with JJ experienced a lower QoL and experience more lower urinary tract symptoms.