Supplementary Material for: Is JJ Ureteral Stenting Inferior to Percutaneous Nephrostomy as a Drainage Method in Emphysematous Pyelonephritis?

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> The aim of the study was to examine the efficacy of JJ stenting in comparison with percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) as a drainage method in patients with emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We retrospectively identified patients with EPN between January 2000 and January 2021. Platelet-to-leukocytic ratio (PLR) at the time of hospital admission and discharge, time taken to clear air locules and to normalize leukocytic count, and air locule volume in mm³ were identified. Renal drainage by either PCN or JJ stent was required if symptoms persist for ≥3 days or in obstructed renal units. Failure of drainage method was defined as conversion to another method of drainage, need for intensive care unit admission, salvage nephrectomy, and mortality. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Twenty-nine patients were managed by JJ stent. Treatment success was identified in 20 patients and 19 patients who were managed by PCN and JJ stent, respectively. Higher air locule volume ≥16.7 mm³ and lower PLR ≤18.4 increased the risk of drainage failure (<i>p</i> = 0.009 and 0.001, respectively). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Ureteral JJ stenting is an effective method for EPN drainage with a comparable overall success to the PCN use. Higher air locule volume and lower PLR increased the risk of drainage failure.