Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of single-stage multiple-tract percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in the treatment of staghorn stones solely guided by ultrasonography (US).
Patients and methods: From May 2007 to July 2012, 55 single-stage multiple-tract PCNL procedures were performed (53 patients, of whom 2 had bilateral stones). Caliceal puncture and dilatation were performed under US guidance in all cases. The procedure was evaluated for access success, length of postoperative hospital stay, complications (modified Clavien system), and stone clearance.
Results: The mean (±SD) operating time was 84.87 ± 24.9 min, with a mean (±SD) postoperative hospital stay of 5.2 ± 1.31 days. The patients experienced a mean (±SD) decrease in hemoglobin level of 8.23 ± 2.39 g/l and the stone-free rate after single-stage surgery was 78.18%. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy was indicated in 2 cases as an auxiliary treatment. There were 10 grade 1 (62.5%) and 6 grade 2 (37.5%) complications; however, there were no complications above grade 3.
Conclusion: Total US-guided single-stage multiple-tract PCNL for treating staghorn calculi in selected cases is safe, feasible, and may be performed with an acceptable morbidity and with the advantage of preventing radiation hazards and damage to adjacent organs.