Comparison of the results of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in different age groups

Abstract

Background: Evaluation of feasibility, safety and effectiveness of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in different age groups.Methods: Between July 1997-October 2012, 233 patients who were 65 years old and older were included in this study. These patients were divided into two age subgroups used in gerontology research. Group 1 was defined as patients 65-74 years old, Group 2 was older than 74 years old. Data from patient records, including demographic characteristics, preoperative evaluation, operative details, and complications were retrospectively analyzed and compared with control group data.Results: The mean age of 233 patients was 69.7±4.6 years. The mean operative times for Group 1, group 2 and the control group were 76.2±47.3mins, 92.9±47.6mins, 77±44mins, respectively and there was no statistically significant difference between groups 1 and 2 and the control group (p>0.05). Twenty-eight of the 233 patients (12%) needed blood transfusion due to perioperative bleeding. The transfusion rates of groups 1 and 2 were 11.3% and 16.7%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the study groups and control group for blood transfusion rates (p>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in complications between the study and control groups (p>0.05).Conclusions: In geriatric patients, stone-free rates, transfusion rates and other operation parameters are similar to younger populations when experienced surgeons perform PCNL. Despite comorbidities and decreased body reserve, PCNL can be performed without a significant increase in complications in different ages.