Mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy: A research at two provincial hospitals

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate innitial results and make some remarks on mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mini-PCNL) for the treatment of renal calculi in the Thanh Hoa General Hospital and Nghe An General Hospital. Subjects and methods: 45 patients (mean age at 50.9 years, male/female ratio = 1.25) underwent mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy for the treatment of renal calculi in the two hospitals from Jan 2016 to Jan 2017. Results: Renal pelvis stones alone or combined renal pelvis stones with lower calyx stones accounted for 82.2%. The medium stone size was 1.8 cm. The success rate was 95.6%, and the stone free rate was 80%. Renal access under the guidance of the C-arm was conducted in 29 cases, and ultrasound was conducted in 16 cases. Puncture into upper, middle, and lower poles was performed in 12 cases, 8 cases, and 25 cases, respectively. The average operation time was 91.4 minutes. The hospitalization was 6.4 days on average. Complications after surgery was 11.1%. Conversion to open surgery made up 4.4%. Conclusion: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy with small tracts is a less invasive, safe, and effective method of treating renal calculi. It is suitable for the kidney stone diameters smaller than 2 cm and can be applied at the provincial hospital.