Micropercutaneous Nephrolithotomy: First 66 Cases Experience

Abstract

Furthermore, micro-PNL, the newest PNL method, enables visual entry in a single session via a special puncture needle, called an "all-seeing needle", by means of a micro-optical imaging system; this method does not require dilation because the nephroscope can be as fine as 4.8 Fr (13,14). This new method not only avoids dilation, which may cause complications such as hemorrhage and perforation, but also shortens operation and fluoroscopy times (14). Micropercutaneous Nephrolithotomy: First 66 Cases ExperienceObjective: To present the initial experience with micro-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (micro-PNL) in patients with kidney stones.Methods: Medical records of 66 patients with kidney stones who underwent micro-PNL between December 2012 and March 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. The demographic data; stone side, location and size; operation and fluoroscopy time; intraoperative and postoperative complications; preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin levels and hematocrit; and operation success of the patient were evaluated. Results:The mean age of the patients was 46.62±13.94 years, and their mean body mass index was 25.77±2.62 kg/m 2 . The mean stone size was 186.7±34.23 mm 2 . The mean operation and fluoroscopy times were 80.46±43.67 min and 10.78±7.14 min, respectively. The mean hemoglobin drop was 0.86 g/dL. Twenty-four intraoperative and 17 postoperative complications were observed. An overall success rate of 95% (including clinically insignificant residual fragments) was achieved. Conclusion:Micro-PNL is a feasible, safe, and effective minimally invasive treatment modality for patients with small kidney stones.