Effect of irrigation solution temperature on complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a systematic review of the literature, meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis of randomized clinical trials.

Abstract

Introduction: The optimal temperature of irrigation solution in patients undergoing PCNL is still unclear. Accordingly, this study aims to investigate the effects of different irrigation solution temperatures (cold/room temperature irrigation fluid versus warm/body temperature fluid). Our primary endpoint was hypothermia rate. Secondary outcomes were shivering rate, mean temperature decrease, mean patient final temperature, blood loss, and operative time.

Evidence acquisition: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Multiple databases were searched in November 2023. Among 299 studies screened, eight were selected for full-text review, resulting in four randomized clinical trials that fit inclusion criteria and desired outcomes. Studies selection and data extraction were performed by multiple reviewers and a random-effects model was used for pooling of data.

Evidence synthesis: The primary outcome, hypothermia rate, showed a significant statistical difference between groups, occurring less frequently in the experimental group (35-37 ºC) than in the cold/room temperature irrigation group (RR 0.64;95%CI 0.46, 0.89; P<0.008; I²=33%). Secondary outcomes such as shivering rate (RR 0.46; 95%CI 0.31, 0.67; P<0.0001; I²=0%) and mean final temperatures (MD 0.43; 95%CI 0.12, 0.75; I²=82%) also showed statistically significant differences between groups, favoring the irrigation with heated fluid.

Conclusions: There was a decreased rate of hypothermia and shivering among patients undergoing PCNL with warm irrigation fluid. Mean final temperatures were also higher in the experimental group. As to blood loss, mean hemoglobin decrease showed no statistically significant difference between groups, prompting further investigation of the influence of Irrigation solution temperature on blood loss volume.