Percutaneous nephrolithotomy for proximal ureteral calculi with severe hydronephrosis: assessment of different lithotriptors.

PURPOSE We compared the efficacy and safety of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) with different intracorporeal lithotriptors for proximal ureteral stones in patients with severe hydronephrosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the records of 192 patients with proximal ureteral calculi and severe hydronephrosis who underwent PCNL between February 2003 and December 2007. Calculi were fragmented with a pneumatic lithotriptor in 44 patients (group 1), Swiss Lithoclast Master in 54 (group 2), low-power holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) laser in 56 (group 3) and high-power holmium:YAG laser in 38 (group 4). Patients were assessed about 12 months postoperatively with intravenous urography and ultrasonography for late complications. Stone size, operative time, stone-free rate, and follow-up were analyzed in each group. RESULTS Mean stone size for different groups were 16.2 +/- 2.8 mm, 16.6 +/- 2.1 mm, 16.0 +/- 2.7 mm, and 16.4 +/- 1.1 mm, respectively. Average operative time for different groups were 118 +/- 17 minutes, 81 +/- 10 minutes, 85 +/- 14 minutes, 110 +/- 16 minutes, respectively. Group 2 and group 3 showed superior outcomes of shorter operative time (P = 0.000). The overall stone-free rate was 86.5%. As stratified by lithotriptors, the stone-free rate was 81.8% in group 1, 92.9% in group 2, 88.9% in group 3, and 78.9% in group 4 (P = 0.190). No significant difference was found among the groups in terms of blood loss and postoperative hospital stay. Repeated PCNL or shockwave lithotripsy was necessary as an auxiliary procedure in 26 patients. The overall complication rate was 18.2%; most complications were minor and insignificant. During the follow-up, ureteral stricture developed in 10 patients and new renal stones developed in 4 patients. CONCLUSIONS PCNL combined with Swiss Lithoclast Master or low-power holmium:YAG laser is the preferred endourologic modality for the management of proximal ureteral calculi in patients with severe hydronephrosis.