Case Report: An occurrence of steinstrasse in retrograde intra renal surgery for a large staghorn kidney stone – difficulty managing surgical outcomes

Abstract

Immediate removal of staghorn stones is compulsory to prevent life-threatening complications. The advancement of endoscopic technology makes retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) a favorable treatment to remove large stones over the standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Without careful considerations, it can cause the formation of steinstrasse. Here, we present the case of a 68-year-old man with multiple stones along his right urogenital duct after being treated with RIRS to remove a staghorn stone. After 2 years of multiple interventions, the steinstrasse was completely removed. To prevent this complication, detailed assessment of the stone (size, location) and renal anatomy should be performed prior to the procedure.