Tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy: our experience at Queen Rania urology center

ABSTRACT

To assess the outcome and safety of tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy in managing renal and upper ureteric stones in selected patients. Between June 2003 and July 2006, 85 patients with mean age of 35 years [range 17-67], were selected by simple random sampling method where two patients were chosen on weekly basis [2 patients every week] for the whole study period at Queen Rania Urology Center to undergo tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy for renal and upper ureteric stones. Of 85 patients, 50 cases were on the left side and 35 cases were on the right side, stone size was less then 3 cm in all cases. Nephrostomy tubes were not used in any patient. The incidence of complications, transfusion requirement, stone free rate and length of hospital stay were obtained. From 85 patients, 63 [74%] patients had solitary renal stone, 18 [21%] patients had multiple stones and 4 [5%] patients had upper ureteric stones. Average hospital stay postoperatively was 2 days [1-3]. The mean duration of percutaneous nephrolithotomy was 60 minutes [45-110], complete stone clearance was achieved in 77 patients [91%], 8 patients [9%] had small residual stones [<5mm] from which 3 patients [3.5%] required Extra Corporeal Shock Wave. Lithotripsy, while other patients required no further management. Blood transfusion was required in one patient because of postoperative hematuria which subsided spontaneously. Tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy is a safe, effective procedure for renal and upper ureteric stones in selected patients