ABSTRACT
Posterior lumbotomy incision is anatomically the most straightforward approach to the kidney and the upper ureter. A brief description of the operative technique is followed by a report of the author's experience with this approach in 38 operations on the upper urinary tract. The access provided was judged to be adequate in 35 [92%] patients although twelve patients [31.5%] required upward extension of the incision for the access to become adequate. Thirty-three patients [87%] were mobile and did not require analgesia by third postoperative day. Average hospital stay was 6 days. Complications occurred in seven patients [21%]. There was no hospital mortality. This incision is recommended for relatively simple operations of upper urinary tract like pyelolithotomy and ureterolithotomy