OBJECTIVES To evaluate the efficacy of a laparoscopic approach for managing large staghorn renal calculi. PATIENTS AND METHODS Laparoscopic transperitoneal anatrophic nephrolithotomy was used to duplicate open anatrophic nephrolithotomy in five patients (three men) with large staghorn renal stones unsuitable for percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Only the renal artery was clamped, using a bulldog clamp. The stone was removed through a nephrotomy incision on the Brodel line, which was closed using 3/0 polyglactin continuous sutures, and sutures were buttressed by haemostatic clips instead of knots. Intraoperative ultrasonography was used in the last two patients to evaluate residual stones. RESULTS The mean (range) stone size was 53  (45–65) mm, the patient age was 53  (45–58) years, and the warm ischaemia and operative duration were 32 (29–35) and 170 (120–225) min, respectively. No blood transfusion was needed during or after surgery. All of the procedures were uneventful and there was no urine leakage after surgery. Only an 8‐mm and a 6‐mm residual stone remained in the first and third patients, in the lower and middle calyces, respectively. Both of them were subsequently treated with shock wave lithotripsy. An intravenous pyelogram after surgery showed a functional corresponding renal unit, with a significant improvement in obstruction in all patients. CONCLUSION Laparoscopic anatrophic nephrolithotomy is a promising alternative for patients who are candidates for open surgery, with an acceptable stone‐free rate. While offering a minimally invasive approach, it can minimize the need for secondary invasive interventions. Further patients and a longer follow‐up are needed before this is suggested as the preferred method in selected patients in the future.

A 73-year-old male patient with an isolated calcified hydatid cyst in the lower pole of the right kidney presented with a history of weight loss and cloudy, foul-smelling urine. Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy was performed, at which the cyst was removed en bloc. Six months postoperatively, a CT scan revealed no recurrence of hydatidosis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for the treatment of isolated renal echinococcosis.

LPN could be accomplished safely without the use of bolster. Such an approach could help simplify the procedure and consequently popularize it among urologists.