ABSTRACT
Objective: To evaluate the learning curve and the success rate of the biplanar (0-90°) puncture technique in the flank-free modified supine position in comparison to the monoplanar puncture technique. Methods: Randomized controlled study included 68 patients more than 18 years with renal stones more than 2 cm from August 2021 to August 2022 were randomly classified by closed envelope method into group A (34 patients) scheduled for monoplanar renal puncture technique in flank-free modified supine PCN. Meanwhile, group B (34 patients) was scheduled for the 0-90° simplified fluoroscopic puncture technique. Morbid obese patients and patients with contraindications for PNL were omitted from the study. Results: There was no significant difference between both groups regarding stone distribution and patients' demographic data. There was a significant difference between both groups regarding puncture attempts. In 88.2% of patients in group B (Biplanar group), the success of renal puncture occurred from the 1st puncture attempt while in 11.2% of patients in group A (monoplanar group). There was a statistically significant difference between both groups in fluoroscopy time and total operation time (p-value <0.001 & p-value: 0.001), respectively. The stone-free rate was 85.2% vs. 88.2% in both groups, respectively, without significant difference. In this study puncture, attempt trials and puncture time were used as indicators for the easiness and rapid educability of the biplanar (0-90°) fluoroscopic guided renal puncture technique. In the biplanar (0-90°) group after 24 cases, the learning curve had reached the plateau. Conclusion: Biplanar (0-90°) puncture technique in flank-free modified supine position allows an easy puncture technique with an easy learning curve without affecting the success rate or complication rate.
