A novel minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy technique: safety and efficacy report

AbstractObjective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome and determine the complications of ultrasound-guided 16 F tract percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) by review of over 1000 cases in a Chinese hospital. Material and methods. A total of 1368 patients underwent 16 F tract PCNL in the hospital between March 2007 and July 2013. Surgery was performed under general anesthesia in all cases. Central venous puncture was chosen as a puncture device. Complications, residual stones, stone clearance and the need for auxiliary treatments were evaluated. Management experience was evaluated with respect to the complications. Results. Complications occurred in 275 out of 1368 patients (20.1%). There were 102 Clavien grade 1 (7.4%), 121 grade 2 (8.8%) and 48 grade 3 (3.5%) complications, but no grade 4 or 5 complications. Access to the kidney was established in 99.7% of cases and 82.0% of cases had complete stone clearance without undergoing further PCNL. Auxiliary treatments included shockwave lithotrips...