THE ENDOUROLOGICAL TREATMENT OF RENAL MATRIX STONES

Objective: To report our experience with the endourological treatment of renal matrix stones, an infrequent form of urinary calculi whose diagnosis and treatment are often difficult. Methods: From 1990 to 2010 we treated 9 female patients with matrix calculi using the endourological approach; 4 presented with renal colics, 3 with symptomatic urinary tract infection and 2 with asymptomatic bacteriuria. Six patients underwent percutaneous lithotripsy and 3 retrograde intrarenal surgery as first-line therapy. Three cases needed a multidisciplinary approach. Results: The six percutaneous procedures were successful after a single session, while the retrograde approach required multiple treatments; a single case needed a shock wave session to complete the fragmentation, in another one a percutaneous lithotripsy was necessary after the first procedure, and a third case needed multidisciplinary treatment. Conclusions: Percutaneous lithotripsy has been confirmed as the first option for matrix stones. The retrograde approach - by confirming the suspected diagnosis and being minimally invasive - may be employed to treat either lower-size stones or stones at high risk of recurrence.