The proposed Plasticine 3D model seems to provide better preoperative renal collecting system appreciation and to serve as a reference tool during the operation, which in turn might increase SFRs and lower the complications rate after PCNL.

To develop a tool, both simple and reliable, for postoperative percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) stone-free failure prediction. Materials and methods: We analysed a sample of 116 patients, who underwent conventional PCNL from 2011 to 2014. Cases with residual stones ⩽ 4 mm in size were regarded as clinically insignificant and 'stone-free'. Results: According to the low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan performed within 24 hours after operation, the patients were stratified as follows: 72 stone-free and 44 with residual stones. Among the analysed variables, three were derived as most important for prediction purposes: an additional stone in a calyx with an acute angle (⩽ 45°), represented by 'A'; an additional stone in a long calyx (⩾ 10 mm) with a narrow infundibulum (⩽ 8mm), represented by 'C'; and a stone size that is > 24 mm, represented by 'S'. These were abbreviated as the 'ACS' score. Depending on the absence or presence of each of these three variables, a score of 0 or 1 was assigned. If the ACS score is 0, then the probability of being a stone-free patient was about 88%; however, when the ACS score is 3, then the probability of being stone free was just 8%. Conclusion: Use of the ACS score seemed to be a simple and reliable tool for PCNL stone-free failure prediction.

The proposed method for ureteral stent removal in women under ultrasound guidance was shown to be faster and to have lower visual analog pain scale scores, in comparison with removal by a cystoscope, which makes it an attractive option for outpatient urologic praxis in uncomplicated cases, and because it is free of the risk of ionizing radiation and more comfortable, it can be used in pregnant patients.

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