Percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the supine position: Safety and outcomes in a single-centre experience

OBJECTIVES To assess the feasibility of performing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) with the patient supine. Although PCNL with the patient prone is the standard technique for treating large (>2 cm) renal stones including staghorn stones, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of supine PCNL for managing large renal stones, with special attention to evaluating the complications. PATIENTS AND METHOD In a prospective study between January 2010 and December 2011, 54 patients with large and staghorn renal stones underwent cystoscopy with a ureteric catheter inserted, followed by puncture of the collecting system while they were supine. Tract dilatation to 30 F was followed by nephroscopy, stone disintegration using pneumatic lithotripsy, and retrieval using a stone forceps. All patients had a nephrostomy tube placed at the end of the procedure. The results were compared with those from recent large series of supine PCNL. RESULTS The median (range) operative duration was 130 (90-210) min, and the mean (SD) volume of irrigant was 22.2 (3.7) L. One puncture was used to enter the collecting system in 51 renal units (94%), while three units (6%) with a staghorn stone needed two punctures. The stone clearance rate was 91%, and five patients had an auxiliary procedure. There were complications in 15 patients (28%). All patients were stone-free at a 3-month follow-up. CONCLUSION Supine PCNL is technically feasible; it has several advantages to patients, urologists and anaesthesiologists. It gives stone-free rates and a low incidence of organ injury comparable to those in standard prone PCNL.