ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous pneumatic nephrolithotripsy combined with ultrasonic lithotripsy for the treatment of renal calculi. Methods From January 2005 to December 2006, 132 cases of renal calculi were treated by percutaneous pneumatic nephrolithotripsy and ultrasonic lithotripsy. Percutaneous nephrolithotripsy was performed under the guidance of B-ultrasonography, and then the calculi were removed by pneumatic nephrolithotripsy combined with ultrasonic lithotripsy.Results Single-tract procedure was performed on 122 cases, while two-tract in the other 10. One-stage lithotripsy was performed on 127 cases, and two-stage operation was carried out in 5. The operation time ranged from 30 to 150 minutes with a mean of (60?12) minutes. The stone clearance rate was 90.2% (119/132) one week after the operation. Five patients had 200-to 500-ml hemorrhage 1 to 4 days after the operation, and were cured by blood transfusion and anti-infection treatments. No serious complications were found in the other patients. The nephrostomy tube was withdrawn 4 to 7 days (mean 6 days) after the operation. The hospital stay was 6 to 22 days with a mean of 15 days. Among the patients, 98 were followed up for 3 to 20 months (mean 13 months). No hemorrhage, infection, or recurrence of renal calculi was found during this period. Conclusion Percutaneous pneumatic nephrolithotripsy combined with ultrasonic lithotripsy is safe, effective, with mild surgical trauma and a few complications for patients with renal calculi.